Premier Core Convenience Store has seen off competition from across the UK and Ireland to win two top awards from one of Europe’s biggest employers’ associations.
Andrew Board, who owns Premier Core Convenience Store in Newton Hall, Durham, earned the titles of Responsible Retailer of the Year and Confectionery Retailer of the Year at the exclusive 2025 Fed Awards. The awards were presented by Karl Southworth, head of field sales at Allwyn and Caroline Farrer, field sales controller at Mondelēz, respectively.
The ceremony was hosted by TV presenter, magician and YouTube sensation Ben Hanlin at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham on Wednesday, June 18.
Andrew was crowned Responsible Retailer for his diligence and continuous appraisal of new legislation. The judges added: “Andrew’s consumer offering is vast. He illustrated being responsible in all of the core areas we expect, but his efforts in ensuring healthy play for lottery purchasers and how he manages more diverse product lines, including gas cylinders, bladed items and paints, stood out.”
In terms of confectionery, the judges were impressed by a real focus on visibility and presentation, as well as range selection.
Andrew was praised for giving customers exactly what they want and for selling lines early, including Cadbury Crème Eggs, which are always on display before Christmas!
After swooping up the two awards, Andrew said: “I am simply blown away. I was even amazed to be shortlisted. This is a national award event against retailers from all across the country, there is a lot of competition out there and we are a small convenience store in a residential area. The support and boost these awards will give to the community and staff is incredible.”
Other winners included Londis Gerrards Cross, which saw off competition from across the UK and Ireland to win an unprecedented three top awards from one of Europe’s biggest employers’ associations.
Owner Dilmeet Singh earned the titles of Best Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year, Best Use of Technology, and Tobacco Retailer of the Year.
Owners of Honey's of The High in Oxford City Centre,Hiten and Kinnari Patel, earned the titles of Convenience Store of the Year – Independent and Newsagent of the Year, and in addition to the two awards, Honey’s of the High were also highly commended in the Home News Delivery Retailer of the Year category.
Karan Patel of Premier KPS Mini Market was named Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year.
