A night of celebration at 2019 NFRN Awards
The NFRN’s Centenary Dinner and 2019 Awards took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 12 February.
During a memorable evening, hosted by broadcasting icon Sir Trevor McDonald, 12 awards were presented to those who had made an exceptional contribution to independent retailing.
The winners take centre stage!
Who won what on the night
Responsible Retailer of the Year
Bay Bashir from Lifestyle Belle Vue Convenience Store in Middlesbrough collects his award from Duncan Malyon from sponsors Camelot and host for the evening Sir Trevor McDonald
Symbol Convenience Retailer of the Year
Raja Bhadal of Woodhouse Post Office in Leeds picks up his award from Grant Jordan of sponsors Menzies Distribution
Independent Convenience Retailer of the Year
Retail Mutual chairman Peter Wagg presents Broderick & Heather Rigg from Skircoat Green Post Office in Halifax with their award
Collectables Retailer of the Year
Andrew Howell, who runs Loch Lomond News in Balloch, is presented with his award from Steve Conner of sponsors Topps
Community Retailer of the Year Award
Trudy Davies, who runs the Woosnam & Davies store in Llanidloes, is joined on stage by her mum Barbara as she collects her award from Neil Jagger of sponsors Reach
Home News Deliverer Merit Award
Quick-thinking paperboy Alasdair Evans was recognised for his bravery after helping save a man and child from drowning in the River Eden near Carlisle. The award was presented by Simon Gage of sponsors Smiths News
Home News Deliverer of the Year
Hard working paperboy Freddie Ankers collects his award from Simon Gage of sponsors Smiths News
Home Delivery Agent of the Year
Paul Bacon from sponsors Delivermynewspaper collects the award on behalf of Chris Bridgett, owner of Newark News in Newark
Newsagent of the Year
Sadly Richard Evans of Ombersley Post Office in Worcester couldn’t join us. Shaun Jones from sponsors the Daily Mail collects the award on Richard’s behalf
Longest Serving Active Member Awards
Owen Church and Ralph Childs (who sadly couldn’t make it) from the Eastern Counties district were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the NFRN with Longest Serving Active Member Awards. Steve Fox (left) of sponsors Booker presents Owen with his award
Outstanding Contribution Retailing
Booker Wholesale CEO Charles Wilson was recognised for his outstanding contribution to independent retailing. The award was presented by Newtrade managing director Parin Gohil
Outstanding Contribution to News Industry
Daily Mail & General Trust Chairman Lord Rothermere was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the news industry. Lord Rothermere collects his award from Jason Stocker of sponsors Nestle UK
For more great pictures, and to read more about the winners, visit the NFRN Facebook page
Watch Sir Trevor McDonald’s NFRN Awards speech
Sir Trevor McDonald hosting the NFRN Awards! https://t.co/xjGhKRaVbP
— NFRN (@NFRN_Online) February 12, 2019
Featured tweets
Centenary dinner @NFRN_Online celebration of 100 years of independent and convenience retailing and serving communities. Brilliant event and good luck to all those nominated for awards! pic.twitter.com/LN3wjEYVUM
— Bill Esterson (@Bill_Esterson) February 12, 2019
Great start to the NFRN Awards. pic.twitter.com/h6mR0MGH4Y
— Ralph Patel (@ralphpatel54) February 12, 2019
Fingers crossed for David Patrick, newsagent extraordinaire in Halesworth to win an award @NFRN_Online. It would be a great boost after their miserable year but great to see them doing well #NFRNAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/x6BcYhxKJW
— Therese Coffey (@theresecoffey) February 12, 2019
Check out the event hashtag #NFRNAwards19 for more great tweets
Confirmation of the winners at 2019 NFRN Awards
Responsible Retailer of the Year
Bay Bashir
Lifestyle Belle Vue Convenience Store, Middlesbrough
Symbol Convenience Retailer of the Year
Raja Bhadal
Woodhouse Post Office, Leeds
Independent Convenience Retailer of the Year
Broderick & Heather Rigg
Skircoat Green Post Office, Halifax
Collectables Retailer of the Year
Andrew Howell
Loch Lomond News, Balloch
Home Delivery Agent of the Year
Chris Bridgett
Newark News, Newark
Community Retailer of the Year Award
Trudy Davies
Woosnam & Davies, Llanidloes
Newsagent of the Year
Richard Evans
Ombersley Post Office, Worcester
Home News Deliverer Merit Award
Alasdair Evans
Brampton
News Deliverer of the Year
Freddie Ankers
Poulton-Le-Fylde
Longest Serving Active Member Awards
Ralph Childs and Owen Church
Eastern Counties District
Outstanding Contribution to the News Industry
Lord Rothermere
Daily Mail & General Trust Chairman
Outstanding Contribution to Independent Retailing
Charles Wilson
Booker Wholesale CEO