The SLR Awards: because you’re worth it!

The SLR Awards have always existed for one reason and one reason only: to recognise and reward this fantastic sector – but you’ve got to be in it to win it!

By Antony Begley

When we first launched the SLR Awards more than two decades ago, we set out with a single and solitary purpose: to celebrate this amazing industry and to give our retailers a fantastic night out that was all about them.

We believe we’ve stayed true to that goal ever since and we hope that it’s still as clear to you today as it was back in the early 2000s that the SLR Awards give us an annual golden opportunity to shout about YOU.

We’ve always tried to make it special which is why we do things like, for example, giving every shortlisted entrant a completely free night out. Who else pays for your dinner, your drinks and your accommodation? All you need to worry about is getting there and having a ball!

And that ethos extends to the way we run the entire awards programme. Our judges make unannounced visits so we can see your stores how they really are. We take thousands of photographs – literally – as well as hours of video footage. That way we can share with everyone how amazing our shortlisted and winning stores are.

We spend weeks and weeks on the road visiting stores and I personally visit every single store on the shortlist. Every one. It’s the only way we can absolutely guarantee consistency of judging. Do you know of any other awards that can say the same?

And we used to own and run our own store for five years so we get retail in a way that no one else can claim to match.

So yes, it’s a huge amount of effort and commitment but we do it because you’re worth it. This sector is nothing short of remarkable, something we’ve learned over and over during the last quarter of a century.

So when you enter the SLR Awards, you truly are getting involved with a unique awards programme and if you happen to make a shortlist or even win an award, you can be confident that you and your team deserved it.

So please do get involved. It takes a little time and effort to enter, sure. But it’s worth it.

A word from our sponsors…

AG Barr

Dino Labbate, Chief Commercial Officer

The Scottish convenience sector is amazing and so resilient. There will undoubtedly be challenges, but we have no doubt that businesses will continue to thrive in terms of store development, innovation and partnerships. Social media will become an increasingly important tool to engage their shoppers and keep on top of trends.

In soft drinks, consumers want to see bigger and bolder flavours. Health and wellbeing will influence even more purchasing decisions across all categories, which will lead to increased demand for lower calorie products that still taste great. There also continues to be a significant reduction in alcohol consumption for many adults.

Booker

Barry Forbes, Retail Development Controller Scotland

Booker is proud to sponsor the Community Retailer of the Year category at the SLR Awards 2026 because independent retailers sit at the heart of both our business and the communities they serve.

In a fast-moving retail landscape, this award matters more than ever. Independent retailers who stay closely connected to their neighbourhoods continue to set the standard for excellence.

By celebrating those who build loyalty, respond to local needs and create meaningful customer experiences, Booker recognises the very best of independent retail.

Buckfast

Stephen Wilkes, National Account Manager, J. Chandler & Co (Buckfast)

It is a pleasure and a privilege to sponsor the SLR Awards and play our part in recognising and rewarding the fantastic local retailing sector in Scotland. Local retailing is a vibrant and vital sector that has once again met every challenge head-on in the last 12 months despite the many challenges our industry faces.

Scotland is obviously a key market for us and it’s local retailers across Scotland who have consistently helped and supported us over the years. Our sponsorship of this award recognises this, and we will be delighted to be there on the evening to celebrate everything that is so special about local retailers.

CCEP

Kate Abbotson, Senior External Communications Manager

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners are proud to sponsor the SLR Awards 2026 because they celebrate excellence and innovation in Scotland’s retail sector – a vital part of the economy and local communities.

Supporting these awards reflects our commitment to helping retailers thrive by delivering products and solutions that meet evolving consumer needs.

The Soft Drinks category is particularly significant in today’s changing retail climate and by sponsoring this award, we aim to highlight the creativity and resilience of retailers who are responding to current market trends and setting new standards for the convenience retailing industry.

Christie & Co

Anthony Meadowcroft, Regional Director – North & Scotland

We’re proud to once again sponsor the SLR Awards, celebrating the hard work and dedication of retail business owners who continue to drive the sector forward.

We know that retailers are at the heart of our communities, and recognising their achievements is essential – so we’re delighted to again be a part of shining a spotlight on their successes.

As a specialist agent supporting business owners to sell, acquire, and grow, we understand the passion and commitment it takes to build a thriving retail business. That’s why we’re particularly excited to sponsor the New Store of the Year Award to honour those who have taken bold steps to launch something fresh and exciting.

Imperial Brands

Andrew Malm, UK Market Manager

Imperial Brands is proud to sponsor the Outstanding Achievement Award because, in today’s challenging retail environment, celebrating resilience and innovation is more important than ever. Retailers are navigating rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, economic pressures, and evolving regulations, all while striving to deliver exceptional experiences. This award shines a spotlight on individuals and businesses that go above and beyond – those who adapt, lead, and inspire others in the face of uncertainty. By supporting this recognition, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership and progress within the retail sector. It’s about honouring the people who make a real difference.

MHouse

Faisal Sattar, Director

MHouse is proud to sponsor the 2026 SLR Awards Special Recognition category.

In the current challenging economic climate, retailers are facing some of the toughest trading conditions in years: rising costs, staffing pressures, and constantly shifting customer expectations. Yet, every day, store owners and their teams continue to innovate, adapt, and serve their communities with resilience.

This award is about celebrating exactly that.

Supporting Special Recognition reflects our commitment to the retailers who go above and beyond, who lead with heart, and who push the sector forward despite the challenges.

News Scotland

Scott McCulloch, Head of Retail

The Newstrade category continues to be a vital footfall, sales and profit driver for the local retailing sector in Scotland, and we are delighted to once again sponsor this award. News has long driven seven-day sales in stores, bringing customers to your door every day of the week and driving additional impulse sales. Retailers that continue to highlight the category in-store, on social media and through home delivery continue to prosper from the category.

The SLR Awards provides a fantastic platform for recognising and rewarding retailers that drive their business forward with news and we would urge all local retailers to take their successes and learnings on board for 2026.

PayPoint

Steve O’Neill, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer

The convenience landscape is evolving faster than ever, with local retailers remaining at the very heart of that transformation.

We’re proud to continue supporting the #ThinkSmart Innovation Award, which celebrates the creativity, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit of retailers who are redefining what it means to serve their communities.

Today’s local stores are so much more than places to pick up everyday essentials –they’ve become true community hubs. By offering vital services such as banking, bill payments, and parcel collections, they make everyday life simpler and more connected for the people they serve.

PGMA

Martin Devlin, Commercial Manager

PGMA continues to sponsor the Fresh and Chilled category as we see it as a priority to be a successful convenience retailer.

Having a strong offer of good quality Fresh products that are a frequent repeat purchase helps not only to drive footfall but form the basis of a wider, bigger basket spend for meal solutions. Those who do manage Fresh well see increases not only in turnover but also in margin.

We look forward to seeing how the sector has developed in the year and look forward to judging the class leaders again in 2026.

Snappy Shopper

Mike Callachan, CEO

Snappy Shopper is proud to sponsor the Home Delivery Retailer of the Year Award. This category represents the very heart of where convenience retail is heading.

Customer expectations have shifted dramatically in recent years, with speed of delivery, reliability, and community-focused service now defining what great retail looks like. Home delivery has moved from a “nice to have” to an essential service, and the retailers who excel in this space are driving the entire sector forward.

Sponsoring this award allows us to celebrate the retailers who are not only meeting these demands but setting new standards for operational excellence and customer care.