The winners of SLR’s inaugural Above and Beyond Awards were revealed at a celebratory lunch held at Glasgow’s Corinthian Club (Wednesday 13 March).
The awards were launched to celebrate the unsung heroes of the convenience retailing industry who strive day and in day out to make a positive difference to both their stores and local communities.
The event saw 19 finalists across five categories from the length and breadth of Scotland all receive a certificate to mark their achievement after the awards’ hosts – SLR’s Antony Begley and Gaelle Walker – had recounted just how every single one of them had gone above and beyond in their duties. A number of these remarkable stories had the audience in tears, and it proved an emotional experience for some of our winners too.
Not least of these was Sophie Skelton, winner of the Independent Store Colleague category. Sophie – a Supervisor at Aramark Leuchars (Premier) – seemed genuinely moved by her triumph and her touching award acceptance soon had everyone reaching for the hankies again.
The Company Owned Store Colleague went to Claire Fleming, Manager of Spar Portland Street in Troon, while Sophie Williams – Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh’s Assistant Manager was named Up and Coming Star.
Sprightly 80-year-old John Stephen, Delivery Driver and Handyman for Premier Whitehills in Banff took the Long Service Award and the day was rounded off with the Astonishing Act Award, which was presented to Alison Lennon, Manager of Day Today, Shotts.
The Above and Beyond Awards were sponsored by Cadbury, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Hovis, Mondelez International and Spar Scotland.
