A great night and a great audience at the 36th Asian Trader Awards
The 36th edition of the Asian Trader Awards was held once again at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster last Wednesday evening, Bonfire Night – with fireworks adding to the atmosphere and the view of Big Ben on the opposite side of the river. What must have counted as one of the biggest ever Asian trader Awards proved once again to be the unmissable highlight in the UK convenience-channel calendar.
The ballroom was full to brimming with retailers, suppliers, celebrities, politicians, PRs and many others who managed to bag a ticket for this entertainment-filled celebration and sumptuous Indian banquet.
TV personality and Bollywood actress Nikki Bedi hosted the event and this year the chief guest was Minister of State for Business and Trade, Sir Chris Bryant, who regaled the audience with anecdotes from his eventful life – even including some time as a priest – before he went into politics. Bryant did a noble job attempting to elucidate government policy ahead of the budget on November 26, which remained the cause of much anxiety among his retailer audience, who listened closely to his words and promises of support for the sector and channel.
The Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award was awarded to Andrew Yaxley, Booker Group CEO, one of the giants of the sector, who has dedicated his entire working life to the grocery industry and remains a passionate champion of the convenience channel.
Once again, the standard of entries across the category awards was exceptional, and the judges’ decisions even harder than in previous years – and although we say this every year, that makes it no less true! Notable among the many stars of retail who won were Businesswoman of the Year, Julie Kaur of Premier Jules Convenience Store in Telford; Local Hero Dhanji Halai of Best One in Rotherhithe; and our 2025 Asian Trader of the Year, Jeyaseelan Thambirajah, for his Premier Queen Street store in Sheffield – one of a chain of twenty that epitomises the merchandising skills and innovations of this outstanding retailer and worthy winner – an entrepreneur always looking forward and pushing the boundaries of convenience.
The new post-awards entertainment, including roulette and blackjack tables, proved incredibly popular and helped to extend the party atmosphere into the following day.
It was a wonderful, sparkling night of winning, eating, music and entertainment . We look forward to you joining us once again next year for the convenience night of 2026 on November 4 – mark it in your calendars now!
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