Above & Beyond Awards 2026

The SLR Above & Beyond Awards are now in their third year and have been hugely popular thanks to their unique goal of recognising and rewarding the shopfloor heroes that help demonstrate why the local retailing sector is so very special to communities across Scotland.

The Awards were created as a platform to highlight the often-incredible actions of store staff that more often than not go entirely un-noticed. They have already unearthed some truly heroic actions where store staff have clearly gone above and beyond the call of duty.

The entry process is straightforward and allows anyone in a store to nominate a colleague. All you have to do is complete the very brief entry form, providing some basic information like the nominee’s name, job title and phone number along with one or two bullet points on why you believe your nominee should be considered for an award.

We will give every nominee a very relaxed call to find out a little more and gather the information we need to share their story with the world.

The Awards will be presented at a Celebratory Lunch on 18 March at The Corinthian Club, Glasgow.

👉 Contact Cara with any queries – cbegley@55north.com / 07967 022 506.

Independent Store Colleague

Open to all colleagues working in independently owned local retailing stores in Scotland that are unaffiliated or members of any symbol group, fascia or franchise.

Company-Owned Store Colleague

Open to all colleagues working in CJ Lang company-owned stores in Scotland.

Business Booster

Open to all colleagues who have materially improved their store’s performance by suggesting or introducing a new concept, product, service, communication method or a change in operational process.

Team of the Year

Open to all in-store teams which have pulled together to make a positive difference to their store’s performance and/or to their community.

Up & Coming Star

Open to all colleagues aged 25 or under working in any of the store formats detailed above who have shown themselves to be outstanding colleagues with a bright future in the sector ahead of them.

Long Service Award

Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who have worked in the sector or a single store or chain for an extended period.

Astonishing Act

Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who truly went Above & Beyond to perform an astonishing act that had a massive positive impact on a customer, colleague or the community. 

Media partner: The Scottish Sun

“The Scottish Sun is once again delighted to be Media Partner for the SLR Above and Beyond Awards.

“We rely on convenience stores to sell our papers day in and day out, and these awards honour the often unseen work of the people who run them.

“From life-changing community schemes to going beyond the call of duty to help individuals, local retailers are a vital lifeline for many Scots and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate them.”

Gill Smith, Scottish Sun Editor-in-Chief

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)

“Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is proud to celebrate the exceptional contributions of independent retailers through our sponsorship of the Independent Store Colleague & Long Service categories at the SLR Above & Beyond Awards. As the distributor of some of the world’s most-loved brands —including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, and Monster —we recognise the vital role independent retailers play in bringing our drinks to communities across the UK. Their dedication ensures that consumers can enjoy our products wherever and whenever they choose. We’re delighted to support and honour those who consistently go above and beyond for their shoppers, their teams, and their local areas. These awards shine a light on the passion and commitment that drive independent retail forward. Best of luck to all the nominees.”

Kate Abbotson – Senior External Communications Manager CCEP

Highland Spring

Though the Ochil Hills date back hundreds of millions of years, it won’t surprise you to learn that Highland Spring is a much more recent arrival.

The company was formed in 1979 by the same family that owns it today. Back then, the market for bottled water was a drop in the ocean – less than 30 million litres a year. Yet even in those early days, no farming of any sort was permitted on the catchment site at the Ochil Hills. The focus was always simple: natural source spring water that’s as pure as it possibly could be.

In 2001, our diligent protection of the land was rewarded with organic accreditation by the Soil Association – a standard which we continue to maintain.

These days we’re one of the UK’s leading producers of natural source water, bottling over 550 million litres a year and employing over 450 people. It’s a long way from where we started, but our focus is the same as it ever was. Nature knows what it’s doing: we just help bring its bounty to the world.

Mondelez International

“As the provider of iconic brands such as Cadbury, Bournville, OREO, Maynards Bassetts, belVita and Dairylea, Mondelez International recognises the vital role independent retailers play in connecting our snacks with consumers nationwide. We’re proud to celebrate and reward those who consistently go the extra mile for their shoppers, their teams and their communities.

“Mondelez International is delighted to sponsor the Independent Store Colleague and Long Service categories at the SLR Above & Beyond Awards, honouring some of the most exceptional individuals in independent retail. Best of luck to all entrants!”

Susan Nash, Trade Communications Manager at Mondelēz International

CJ Lang/Spar Scotland

“Our team members are undoubtedly our greatest asset, a fact that is clearly recognized and appreciated by our customers. We understand that convenience store staff often work tirelessly behind the scenes, truly serving as the unsung heroes of the community. It’s a privilege for us to participate in industry awards that celebrate and honour their dedication and hard work, highlighting their invaluable contributions.”

Frank McCarron, Company Owned Store Director, CJ Lang/Spar Scotland

Tennent's

“Tennent’s is excited to sponsor the Team award and celebrate the positive differences retailers are making across Scotland. Without a great team, success never comes easy!”

Nicole Halsman, National Account Manager RTM and Convenience