Three independent Premier retailers have each won £5,000 towards store improvements after being selected as winners in a prize draw celebrating Premier's landmark achievement of reaching 5,000 stores across the UK.
The winning stores are Raja Brothers Premier in Mossley, owned by Aingaran Somasuntharam; Premier Family Stores in Ellacombe, owned by Steve Palmer; and Ali's Convenience in Tranent, owned by Anila Ali. The retailers were chosen from entries submitted at one of five regional Premier 5000 Roadshow events held earlier this year.
The roadshow formed part of Premier's nationwide celebrations marking its milestone of becoming a 5,000-store symbol group.
The events brought together retailers, customers and supplier partners at venues across the UK to recognise the contribution of independent retailers and the communities they serve.
Each winner will receive £5,000 to invest in store improvements aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for local customers and supporting future business growth.
The store refresh prize is part of a wider programme of activity from Premier, the UK’s number one symbol group operated by Booker Group, to celebrate reaching 5,000 stores. This includes national promotions, community giveaways and events designed to supp ort independent retailers and drive footfall during key trading periods.
Colm Johnson, Managing Director for Retail at Booker, said:“Reaching 5,000 stores is a huge milestone for Premier, and we’re proud to support our retailers by reinvesting in their businesses. Initiatives like this help stores continue to serve their local communities and thrive.”
Raja Brothers Premier in Mosseley
For Raja Brothers Premier, the award comes shortly after a significant investment in the business. Somasuntharam and his brother operate six Premier stores across the region, including locations in Golborne, Gidlow, Ripponden Road, Wood Street, Mossley and Holly's.
Somasuntharam and his brother currently operate six Premier stores across the region, including locations in Golborne, Gidlow, Ripponden Road, Wood Street, Mossley and Holly’s.
Raja Brothers PremierImage by Booker
Somasuntharam said, “After investing so heavily into a refit earlier this year, winning this additional £5,000 is a fantastic boost for the business.
"It means we can continue improving the store and reinvesting in the experience for our customers. The response since reopening has been brilliant, especially aro und the new beer cave, refreshment area and expanded fresh food offering."
Premier Family Stores in Ellacombe
Meanwhile, Premier Family Stores in Ellacombe is preparing for a major redevelopment project after securing planning approval earlier this year with plans to expand the store from 900 square feet to almost 2,000 square feet following planning approval earlier this year.
Premier Family Stores has been part of the Premier symbol group for 14 years and is operated by SPH Retail Ltd, which also runs Foxhole Stores, Belgrave Road and Moreton Stores across the Torbay area.
Investment will include improved customer access, increased product ranges, expanded chilled and frozen space, and solar panels to improve energy efficiency. The redevelopment is expected to begin this autumn, with completion planned for early 2027.
Premier Family StoresImage from Booker
Steve Palmer, owner of Premier Family Stores and SPH Retail Ltd , said:“Winning this prize is incredible for us and for our community. We’ll be using the £5,000 to refresh the store and make it an even better place for our customers. Our shop is at the heart of the local area, so any improvements we can make will help us conti nue to serve everyone who relies on us day to day.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to grow the business over the last few years and are excited about the future. Securing planning permission for our redevelopment was a huge milestone, and this additional investment from Premier comes at the perfect time as w e prepare to take the store to the next level.”
Ali's Convenience in Tranent
In Scotland, Ali's Convenience in Tranent will also use the funding to further improve its offer for shoppers. The business has been trading with Premier for 15 years and is currently preparing to open a second Premier store in Muirpark, Dalkeith, following an investment of more than £200,000.
Anila Ali, owner of Ali's Convenience, said: “Winning this prize is incredible for us and for our community. We’ll be using the £5,000 to refresh the store and make it an even better place for our customers. Our shop is at the heart of the local area, so any improvements we can make will help us conti nue to serve everyone who relies on us day to day.
“We have been trading with Premier for 15 years and are proud to be part of the network. We invested £180,000 in a full refit of our Tranent store three years ago, and we're also preparing to open a second Premier store in Muirpark, Dalkeith, following a £200,000 - plus investment. This prize will help us continue improving what we offer local shoppers."