Andrew Board, owner-manager of Premier Core Convenience Store in Durham, has been named Responsible Retailer of the Year at the Asian Trader Awards 2026, recognising an approach to convenience retail that puts the needs and safety of the local community at its heart.
Board’s store is situated on a large housing estate and forms part of a small shopping parade. A family retail business established more than 30 years ago, the family acquired the site in 2019 as Board’s parents moved towards retirement. The location has particular significance for him as it is the community where he was born, grew up and continues to live.
Rather than simply adopting national ranges or planograms, Board shapes the store’s offer around what local shoppers want. The almost 2,000sq ft Premier also houses a developing Mains Post Office branch, strengthening its role as a community hub.
Responsible retailing is built into the store’s daily operation. It runs a Challenge 25 policy, supported by EPOS prompts, AgeGatePro and an in-store reference guide known as ‘The Core Bible’. Board delivers much of the team’s training himself, drawing on guidance from Allwyn, local authorities, the licensing authority and Post Office Limited. He also uses test purchases to check that colleagues are applying age-verification procedures effectively.
The store is a member of Shopwatch, working with police, the local authority and neighbourhood wardens to address crime and antisocial behaviour. It also offers vape-product recycling and has installed a substantial rooftop solar array as part of its environmental efforts.
Asian Trader Awards 2026, held at Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London, recognised the achievements of independent retailers and businesses from across the country, shining a spotlight on the innovation, enterprise, resilience and community spirit that continue to define the sector.
The evening was hosted by actor Nitin Chandra Ganatra. Minister for Artificial Intelligence The Rt Hon Kanishka Narayan MP graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The Asian Trader Awards 2026 winners
- Responsible Retailer of the Year: Andrew Board, Premier Core Convenience Store, Durham
- Convenience Chain of the Year: Mohan Periyasamy Palani, Samy Group Ltd, Middlesbrough
- Tobacco & Next Gen Champion of the Year: Rajalingam Mathusan, Premier Childers Street, London
- Bakery Retailer of the Year: Roli Ranger, Budgens Ascot, Berkshire
- Next Gen Award: Hamza Hussain, Abu Bakr Supermarkets, Batley, West Yorkshire
- Best Retail Couple of the Year: Bisi and Mayo Osundeko, Go Local Junction Lane, St Helens, Merseyside
- World Food Retailer of the Year: Mohammed Altaf, PAK Foods, Stoke-on-Trent
- Independent Retailer of the Year: George Phillips, TJ’s Late Shop, Londis, Hemel Hempstead
- Best Home Delivery Retailer of the Year: Mandeep Singh, Premier Singh’s Team, Sheffield
- Food to Go Retailer of the Year: Harry and Zoe Archer, Shop & Go, Burstwick Service Station, Hull
- Spirit of the Community Award: Benedict Selvaratnam, Freshfields Market, Croydon, Surrey
- Symbol Retailer of the Year: Kalpesh (Pete) Patel, Zola Ltd t/a Costcutter, Purfleet, Essex
- Off Licence of the Year: Kathleen Campbell and Richard Walker, Campbell’s of Leyburn, North Yorkshire
- Impulse Retailer of the Year: Jas and Michelle Chatha, Go Local Extra, Chathas Retail, Bradford
- Charity Hero of the Year: Jawad and Asiyah Javed, A&J Alloa Spar, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk
- Best Merchandising Store of the Year: Raheem Ali Razaq, Ali’s Nisa Royston, Glasgow
- Businesswoman of the Year: Nathalie Fullerton, Go Local Dumbarton Road, Glasgow
- Asian Trader of the Year: Arul Palaniappan, Premier New Elgin Service Station, Scotland