Bisi and Mayo Osundeko of Go Local Junction Lane store in St Helens, Merseyside, have been named Best Retail Couple of the Year at the Asian Trader Awards 2026 held in London on Wednesday (Nov 4). The newly introduced award recognises a retail partnership with proven results.
The family-run business serves the Sutton Park community and has been transformed from a small neighbourhood shop with weekly turnover of around £1,200 into a store reporting sales of more than £19,000 a week. Investment, stronger product ranges, improved merchandising, supplier relationships and a focus on customer service have all contributed to that progress.
For the Osundekos, the store’s role extends well beyond selling everyday essentials. They support a community food-bank scheme, encourage donations from customers and suppliers, and work with local partners to help families facing hardship.
They have also developed a Retail Day initiative, giving young people with disabilities the chance to experience the workplace, build confidence and develop employability skills.
Inclusion is a central part of the store’s culture. The team reflects the diversity of the neighbourhood, is trained to challenge discrimination and provides additional support to elderly, visually impaired and vulnerable customers. Team members are first-aid trained, and the business has invested in suicide-awareness training.
Their community work also includes raising more than £500 for Willowbrook Hospice, supporting local football groups and schools, and running a book club to encourage reading and bring families together. The store has also helped vulnerable women seeking safety by arranging transport and support.
Asian Trader Awards 2026, held at Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London on Wednesday (Nov 4), 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