Jawad and Asiyah Javed of A&J Alloa Spar in Stenhousemuir, Falkirk, have been named Charity Heroes of the Year at the Asian Trader Awards 2026, recognising their commitment to supporting people and causes in their community. The awards were held in London on Wednesday (Nov 4).
The couple’s nomination highlights the role of their store as a neighbourhood business with strong local connections. Their work reflects the wider contribution that convenience retailers can make by using their relationships with customers, suppliers and community organisations to support charitable activity and people in need.
The Javeds have built their business around customer service and community engagement, with the store providing a familiar point of contact for local residents. Their recognition in this category reflects the effort involved in turning that everyday presence into practical support for the surrounding area.
Asiyah and Jawad’s award also highlights the importance of family partnerships in independent retail, where the demands of running a store are balanced with the time and commitment needed to support local initiatives.
The Asian Trader Awards honour retailers whose work makes a difference beyond the till, and the Javeds’ win celebrates that spirit of generosity and local responsibility.
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