Hamza Hussain, managing director of Abu Bakr Supermarkets in Batley, West Yorkshire, has won the Next Gen Award at the Asian Trader Awards 2026 held in London on Wednesday (Nov 4).
Abu Bakr Supermarkets in Batley serves a diverse local population with a range spanning fresh produce, world foods, halal meat, groceries and everyday essentials. As an independent retailer, Abu Bakr Supermarkets has the flexibility to shape its offer around the needs of its community, with an emphasis on culturally relevant products, organised aisles and a welcoming shopping environment.
The 23-year-old Hussain describes his experience in the business as hands-on, giving him an understanding of everything from customer service and stock management to leadership and growth. Taking on responsibility at a young age, he says, has helped develop his confidence, resilience and decision-making.
His approach is to combine the values associated with traditional independent retailing with a modern outlook. A focus on customer service has helped encourage repeat visits and increase average spend, while closer attention to stock management has reduced waste and helped maintain availability of high-demand products.
The nomination also points to the store’s role within the wider Abu Bakr Supermarkets business, which continues to develop across the region. For Hussain, the next generation of independent retailers has an opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the sector without losing sight of the personal service and community relationships on which local shops have been built.
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: Katherine 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