George Phillips, owner of TJ’s Late Shop, a Londis store in Hemel Hempstead, has been named Independent Retailer of the Year at the Asian Trader Awards 2026 held in London on Wednesday (Nov 4). This award is supported by Booker.
The family business has been trading for 36 years, with around 1,800sq ft of retail space. Its longevity is built on a strong connection with the local community and a store offer that combines everyday convenience with carefully maintained fresh produce and value-led promotions.
Phillips describes the shop as a safe and welcoming place for people in the area. Community spirit is central to the way the business operates, with support for local charities forming part of its work beyond the shop floor.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are a particular point of difference. The store offers a locally sourced selection, maintained to high standards and used to reinforce the business’s wider focus on presentation and quality. Phillips also runs money-saving promotions, including multi-buy offers across selected products, to give customers practical value.
The store is part of the Londis symbol group, while its family ownership has allowed it to retain a strong local identity over more than three decades. Phillips also makes regular use of social media to showcase the store’s presentation and standards, attracting engagement from customers and fellow retailers.
The award recognises a business that has sustained its place in the neighbourhood over 36 years, combining independent ownership, customer relationships and a consistent focus on the everyday details that keep shoppers coming back.
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