best-one Poets Corner and best-one Plessey News, situated in Housing Estate in UK, owner Shad Saleem honored with Spirit of the Community Award in the Asian Trader Awards 2019.

Shad Saleem says how a store-owner can become the spirit of the community.

“For me, it’s all about being woven into the community; a part of the fabric. A community can be diverse – a mix of people of different ages, jobs, families and it’s about connecting with all of them in some way. I think one of the ways I’ve managed to do this is I’ve never said no to ANY community support asked of me in the last 20 years”.

He says about the initiatives that he developed to benefit his local community in the last 12 months.

“Within our community there are children that come from families below the national poverty threshold who can’t always afford food and are being sent to school hungry. Through my involvement with The Rotary Club of Blyth we worked together with Malvin’s Close Primary Academy, where we created a Breakfast Club enabling 30 children to be given a proper breakfast and ‘set them up’ for the day. The school fed back that there is a close correlation between the success of children within the classroom and being well fed. We’re looking at expanding this initiative and I’d like to support this financially through the shops (my personal ambition is to ensure that no child in Blyth goes to school hungry)”.

He describes two key challenges facing Convenience and his plans for taking advantage.

“Blyth is inundated with retail shops; we have ALDI, Lidl, ASDA and many convenience stores. The challenge is to differentiate ourselves from everyone else. One way we do this is through stocking local products. Our eggs are delivered fresh daily from family-run Lintz Hall Eggs, our milk and fresh dairy comes from Hanover Dairies, our local green-grocer (John!) brings fresh, seasonal vegetables, and a local Blyth sandwich lady delivers delicious homemade sandwiches every day. Another challenge is ensuring we offer a quality range of products at competitive prices, as many customers are on a budget. We work closely with best-one to ensure we have a range of products at various price-points and also run monthly special offers”.

 

He lists three ways in which he have responded and retained footfall after a new discounter/supermarket opened in his catchment area.

“One way we’ve retained footfall is through our support of the community – we support local people, and in turn, they support us back. We face a lot of retailer competition but because we are at the heart of the community customers choose to shop with us. We’ve also utilised social media to engage with our customers. We now have 5,000 Facebook followers and promote our special offers and new products via our page. Lastly, we’ve introduced food-to-go options allowing us to capture lunch time footfall. This has bought new shoppers through our doors, as well as the same familiar faces”

Premier Eldred Drive Stores, situated in Housing Estate in UK, owner Anita Nye honered with Spirit of the community Award in the Asian Trader Awards 2019.

Anita Nye says that it is a  community shop that really keeps everyone at the heart of everything. They are members of the community and have been for many years so they want to play our part in whatever they can to help improve the area they live and work in.

They have introduced a couple of initiatives to ‘do out bit’ to tackle food poverty and childhood obesity. They have introduced a very popular loyalty card scheme. People get a stamp every time they spend £10 on groceries. They chose to keep the amount that triggers a stamp relatively low and shoppers just need to collect 10 stamps to get £5 off their shopping. It’s unbelievably popular and lots of people save their full cards til Christmas so that they can get some really good money off their festive shopping.

Anita describes about key challenges facing Convenience and explains plans for taking advantage. Keeping prices down whilst retaining good profit margins. Ever changing demands of customers. People often shop around for the best prices, they stick to PMP where they can as that’s what their customers like.

Londis Davis Bryson & Sons stores at High St in UK owner Walter Bryson honored with Impulse Retailer Award in the Asian Trader Awards 2019. In the questionnaire session, Walter Bryson says about the secretes behind the success. He says three main qualities to make him an amazing impulse retailer. “As per a petrol filling station our business is mainly impulse, We stock a full range of impulse crisps drinks and chocolate that are well presented and conveniently placed to disrupt the customers mission to almost guarantee a purchase. we stock the most up to date products as soon as they become available”.

He have merchandised his store overall to achieve maximum sales by mading the front of the store open and airy with open windows and a large serving counter to make customers feel at ease. The team have also grouped the store into specific areas like food for now and food for later as well as bringing in a selection of local products and Costa coffee along with Slush machines and Tango ice blast.

The categories to provide the best impulse-driven sales are dinks including Costa, invested in new refrigeration to stock a large range of soft drinks as well as installing to Costa machines in a purpose built unit for upsell cakes and biscuits with the costa.

He says about two key challenges facing Convenience and explain plans for taking advantage are

Customer Retention and Profitability. The team retain customers by offering a wide range of goods and services at competitive prices along with Local with partnership and also maintain profit margins.

A U.K. based company HT Drinks wins best wholesale depot of the year Award of the Asian Trader Awards 2019.This awards are for the key players and stakeholders across the grocery sector to recognise and reward the cream of the crop from convenience retailing.

A questionnaire session was completed by Manager Chris Alba. Through those, grocery, Alcohol, Tobacco are the main products there. Above 12,000 customers have been using their service. They are planning  65% retail and 35% catering for future.HT Drinks  operates 350 retail Clubs.

  

About The Asian Traders Awards

Every year, the awards gather the key players and stakeholders across the grocery sector to recognise and reward the cream of the crop from convenience retailing. On the evening, leading politicians mix with captains of industry to herald independent retailers, convenience store and symbol operators, shopkeepers, off-license owners and newsagents from across the UK.

Ancoates General Store owner Mital Morar ownered with  Independent Retailer Award in  the Asian Trader Awards 2019. He has more than five stores situated in High St in UK. Behalf of this award, he reveals those things to achieve success

Mital Morar and his team made a single most profitable innovation to their store In under 4 years, Store Retail Group has grown to 4 stores in Manchester. Ancoats General Store being the flagship store.The store is located in an area with a heavy residential mix in modern apartments. The New Bailey Street store of Spinningfields has a busy passing traffic and commuting trade and opens till 2am to take advantage of the night time economy and taxi traffic.

He said that they team up with different street vendors. Retailers can get caught up with making their own food in store to increase their margin. They find it is better to focus on what they do well which is retail and make local partnerships. A long chipboard table stretches from the entrance to the coffee counter. Customers can enjoy a selection of drinks, from traditional choices like expressos and smoothies to cortados and charcoal lattes. The table encourages people to stay for longer and while they are there they are looking at what else they can buy.

  

Their key challenges are  discounters are certainly providing convenience shopping, because shoppers find they have a range and location that suits their needs, in smaller (under 15,000sq ft) formats.They are providing more opportunity to shop in general, and also have a strategy to reach out into new categories, so it is really important to remember that discounters continue to be a competitor to convenience.Online sales are also growing ahead of convenience, and the marketplace as a whole, at 8%. The opportunity for click and collect is particularly significant, because that is another reason not to visit the main part of the shop.” Online baskets remain consistently bigger than standard industry ones.

About The Asian Traders Awards

Every year, the awards gather the key players and stakeholders across the grocery sector to recognise and reward the cream of the crop from convenience retailing. On the evening, leading politicians mix with captains of industry to herald independent retailers, convenience store and symbol operators, shopkeepers, off-license owners and newsagents from across the UK.

Budgens Southwater shop owner Alpesh Shingadia honored with Next Gen Award in The Asian Trader Awards 2019. The shop is situated in Housing Estate, UK.

Alpesh Shingadia says the  qualities and achievements that make you the Asian Trader of the Year. Entrepreneurial – The second generation in an established family business, he  has refreshed and optimised the store, generating strong sales growth despite increased local competition. Innovative & responsive – He has  introduced profitable new ranges and services, constantly improving our offer and customer service. Community engaged– The team support various community groups and have strong partnerships with two local schools, providing sponsorship and healthy food for events and initiatives. Staff focused – The team restructured store roles to give staff enhanced responsibility and fulfilment, creating a more engaged, productive team Entrepreneurial – The second generation in an established family business, He has  refreshed and optimised the store, generating strong sales growth despite increased local competition. Innovative & responsive – He has  introduced profitable new ranges and services, constantly improving our offer and customer service. Community engaged– The team support various community groups and have strong partnerships with two local schools, providing sponsorship and healthy food for events and initiatives. Staff focused – The team restructured store roles to give staff enhanced responsibility and fulfilment, creating a more engaged, productive team. He describes Describe how their  product offering and say why it beats your competitors.

From value grocery staples to freshly-made sandwiches, we cater to a huge range of needs. We’ve greatly expanded chilled fresh, serve hot breakfasts and snacks, grown our food on the go and in store bakery offers, and added Cook premium frozen meals. Responsive to trends and customer feedback, they have increased vegan and gluten-free, and widened the range of local artisan foods, tailoring our offer to customers’ needs with flexibility the multiples can’t match. By adding to our services, with Post Office, ATM, and newspaper deliveries, they have become a destination store in our village.

About The Asian Traders Awards

Every year, the awards gather the key players and stakeholders across the grocery sector to recognise and reward the cream of the crop from convenience retailing. On the evening, leading politicians mix with captains of industry to herald independent retailers, convenience store and symbol operators, shopkeepers, off-license owners and newsagents from across the UK.

The 5th edition of Indywood Film Market “IFM-2019” was successfully inaugurated in Hyderabad. After the incredible reception from the film industry experts last year and on popular demand, IFM, this year was a 2-day event, which was on 20th and 21st of November, 2019 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre. The event was inaugurated by the I T Minister of Telangana, K. T. Rama Rao.

After roaring success exhibited in the previous 4 editions, IFM was much bigger, better, and stronger. It Showcased a perfect amalgamation of technology cum entertainment. Indywood Film Market is always focused on exposing participants to a plethora of investment opportunities. Delegates were seen engaging in meaningful discussions with domestic and international investors, showcased their services through sophisticated exhibition spaces and also were seen networking with top-notch stakeholders of the film industry, and also enhanced the diversity of perspective and content presented.

For its fifth season, IFM focused on 4 major product categories. The market served as a convergence point for global buyers and sellers with an expected turnout of 5000+ delegates and 100+ exhibitors.; 500+ potential investors; 100+ country representatives and achieved 20,000+ footfalls. The event also dedicated special pavilions for film associations and organizations where they were, they got an opportunity to meet, discuss and connect with like-minded people. The major participants included Camera & Lighting brands; Animation & Software brands; OTT & Content Platforms; Shooting Equipment; Film Associations; Film Institutes; Tourism Boards & Commissions.

About IFM

Indywood Film Market is a cinema professional’s paradise that connects delegates with service providers, filmmakers, producers, exhibitors, distributors and other stakeholders of the global film industry. Conceptualized in the year 2015, Indywood Film Market (IFM) has been instrumental in organizing a unique platform to conduct insightful interactive sessions, diverse exhibition arenas, and B2B awards function and high- profile networking parties. As a premier film fest and tech expo, Indywood Film Market explores the entire gamut of cinema making, ranging from pre-production to skill development, production, technical support, post-production, distribution, marketing and release among others.

www.ifm.co.in

Dubai: It has been a week since the release of Ayushmann Khurrana’s  Bala is running successfully in the box-office. The movie continues in a good number of screens in the UAE and other GCC Countries with high occupancy. The film has been well received with positive reviews and praises have been showered upon the actor.

‘Bala’ is Ayushmann’s biggest release till date. The film released across 3000 screens in India and more than 550 screens in the overseas markets.

Indywood Distribution Network owns the distribution rights of the overseas market and is all set to release the movie in Saudi Arabia on 14th November.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who has given 6 consecutive hits, is coming back to the screen after a brief break with Bala. The actor will be joined by two of his phenomenal co-stars Bhumi Pednekar and YamiGautam.

Actors Seema Pahwa and Javed Jaffrey also play a pivotal role in the film. Bala attempts to take a satirical twist on a middle-aged man suffering from hair receding through slapstick comedy.

Bhumi will play his love interest in the film. Helmed by director Amar Kaushik, the movie is produced by Dinesh Vijan.

Sajid Javid The First British Asian Chancellor Of The Exchequer Is Ranked First On The Annual List Of The 101 Most Influential Asians In Britain

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid MP has retained the top spot on the GG2 Power List, the definitive ranking of the UK’s most powerful Asians. The annual publication, which is revealed on the night of the GG2 Leadership Awards, has been published for the 9^th year and features the UK’s 101 most recognised and influential Asians from a wide range of sectors.

On topping the annual GG2 Power List, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, said: “I am honoured to be recognised on the GG2 Power List once more and I am proud to live in a Britain where anyone can become Chancellor, whatever their background. Each person on this year’s Power List has their own story to tell, but the example they set to young Asian women and men is helping to create a better and brighter future for Britain. I commend and congratulate them all.”

Javid retains the top position he achieved last year after being named Britain’s first Asian Chancellor in July 2019. Together with Home Secretary Priti Patel, who features at number 2 on this year’s list, the pair represent the first time that two out of the top four cabinet positions have been occupied by politicians of Black or Asian heritage.

Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, Asian Media Group said: “In occupying their current positions in cabinet both Sajid Javid and Priti Patel have demonstrated that the Asian community can provide Britain with formidable leaders. Sajid Javid has excelled as the first British Asian Chancellor of the Exchequer and deservedly retains the top position in our annual GG2 Power List and following closely behind Priti Patel, who became the first British Asian female Home Secretary earlier this year. They are leading the way in shaping Britain’s future and are role models for future leaders from our community.”

The Top 10 sees a climb to 3^rd position for activist and businesswoman Gina Miller, who has been an ever present force in UK politics this year as Britain prepares to exit the European Union. Miller, who is of Indian descent, has successfully tabled legal challenges against parliamentary procedures around Brexit. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at number 4 remains a highly influential figure, since becoming the first Muslim Mayor of a major European city, Khan has remained a key advocate for London and its business interests globally.

For the second year in a row, Hollywood star Riz Ahmed features in the top 10 (ranked 8) as the only figure from entertainment and the arts. The award-winning British actor has wowed audiences and critics alike with his recent performance in Sound of Metal, whilst remaining a strong voice for on screen representation and diversity in the arts. Joining him in notable positions are the likes of Romesh Ranganathan (15), Jameela Jamil (16), Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal (21) and new entrant British-Indian actress Naomi Scott (27) who impressed as the iconic Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin this year and is soon to be seen in Charlie’s Angels.

   

The Top 10 features Neil Basu (5), Assistant Commissioner of Specialist Operations for the Metropolitan Police. Basu took up this position last year and is responsible for leading counter-terrorism policing nationally, widely regarded as the toughest job in British policing. Rishi Sunak, climbs 37 places from last year (44-7) due to his new position as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Notable new entries on this year’s Power List include Munira Mirza (18), director of the Number 10 Policy Unit; Mohit Bakaya (20), controller of BBC Radio 4; Amika George (32), the 19 year old activist who set up the #FreePeriods petition; and the Kamani family (36), founders of trailblazing online fashion brands Boohoo.com and Pretty Little Thing.

The GG2 Power List is revealed at the GG2 Leadership Awards. On another glittering evening, hosted by BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake at London’s Park Plaza Westminster, some of the UK’s most prominent community leaders and achievers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities were celebrated.

Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, Asian Media Group adds: “This year’s GG2 Power List has once again revealed the incredible influence and contribution the Asian community makes to British society, business and culture. Whilst the top 10 features prominent politicians and policy makers during a crucial period in British politics, the entire list demonstrates the incredible strides that Asian entrepreneurs and philanthropists are making, the impact and influence of talented British Asian personalities in the arts, media and entertainment, and the achievements of Asian professionals in the legal and medical fields. The Power List showcases how invaluable the Asian contribution is across a wide spectrum of areas.”

Chancellor Sajid Javid retains top position on GG2 Power List

The 21^st GG2 Leadership Awards celebrated the achievements of some of the UK’s most prominent ethnic leaders on a glittering evening. The GG2 Leadership Awards showcase ethnic achievement, talent and leadership in the UK. This year’s winners once more proved to be torchbearers for ethnic communities and leadership in their respective fields.

The prestigious GG2 Hammer Award, an accolade presented to a high achieving individual who has shattered the proverbial glass ceiling, was given to Nitin Paranjpe, global Chief Operating Officer of Unilever. His success and achievements at one of the world’s most valuable companies were celebrated on a night when some of the UK’s most successful leaders from diverse communities were honoured for their achievements.

The GG2 Man of the Year was awarded to Viswas Raghavan, CEO of JP Morgan (EMEA), honoured for his formidable leadership of one of the world’s most recognised investment banks.

Poppy Jaman, CEO of City Mental Health Alliance and one of the UK’s most prominent advocates for mental health collected the GG2 Woman of the Year award. Coincidently, she was honoured on World Mental Health Day, and on collecting her award said: Poppy Jaman quote TBC

Chief guest on the night Sajid Javid, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, retained the top position on this year’s GG2 Power List, a glossy annual publication which is revealed on the night of the GG2 Leadership Awards and profiles the 101 most influential Asians in Britain. Javid became the first British Asian Chancellor earlier this year and alongside Home Secretary Priti Patel, ensures that two of the four top positions in the cabinet are occupied by British Asians for the first time.

Sajid Javid said: “I am honoured to be recognised on the GG2 Power List once more and I am proud to live in a Britain where anyone can become Chancellor, whatever their background. Each person on this year’s Power List has their own story to tell, but the example they set to young Asian women and men is helping to create a better and brighter future for Britain. I commend and congratulate them all.”

On a glittering evening hosted by BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake at London’s Park Plaza Westminster, some of the UK’s most prominent Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community leaders and achievers were celebrated.

Winners on the night included GG2 Pride of Britain Award winner Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, Emeritus Professor of Nursing at the University of West London; Media and Creative Arts winner Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra; and Outstanding Achievement in Science winner Caucher Birkar, Professor of Mathematics at University of Cambridge.

Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, Asian Media Group said: “This year’s winners are an exceptional group of individuals who have excelled in their relevant sectors and have become successful and inspirational role models for their communities and wider communities around the UK. The GG2 Leadership Awards remain an important event which celebrates diversity in the UK. Our nominees and winners have shown tremendous achievements which have made a positive impact on the country.”

This year’s nominees and winners come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and professionals from the fields of business, politics, creative arts, media, medicine and law were celebrated.

The GG2 Leadership Awards and the reveal of the GG2 Power List were a culmination of a day in which the GG2 Diversity Conference also took place and saw both corporate and community leaders come together to discuss the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation in the UK on a variety of panels.

GG2 Leadership Awards 2019 – The Full List Of Award Winners

1. GG2 Spirit in the Community Award

Awarded to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in the community.

Eartha Pond, Educator and Councillor, QPCC

2. GG2 Young Journalist of the Year

Awarded for outstanding work in the media.

Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Reporter, Liverpool Echo

3. GG2 Media & Creative Arts Award

Awarded for exemplary achievement in the creative industries.

Mohit Bakaya, Controller, BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra

4. GG2 Inspire Award

Presented to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in the community, which has served to inspire young people.

Cemal Ezel, Founder and CEO, Change Please

5. GG2 Achievement through Adversity

Awarded to an individual who has achieved a high level of success despite difficult

circumstances.

Nicki Donnelly, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach and Disability Rights Consultant

6. GG2 Young Achiever Award

Presented to a young person aged 35 or under who has demonstrated outstanding

leadership, brings about change and who is an inspiration to communities.

Kriti Sharma, Founder, AI For Good Ltd

7. GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Science

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of science.

Caucher Birkar, Professor of Mathematics, Universirty of Cambridge

8. GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Law

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession.

Ayesha Vardag, Founder and President, Vardags

9. GG2 Social Entrepreneur Award

Awarded to a cause-driven individual or organisation who has made an outstanding and meaningful contribution to society.

Randeep S Lall, Co-Founder, Trustee and Global Operations Director, NishkamSWAT

10. GG2 Pride of Britain Award

Awarded to an individual for their outstanding contribution to society.

Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, Emeritus Professor of Nursing, University of West London

11. GG2 Woman of the Year

Awarded to an individual for consistent high achievement. 

Poppy Jaman OBE, CEO, City Mental Health Alliance

12. GG2 Man of the Year

Awarded to an individual for consistent high achievement.

Viswas Raghavan, CEO JP Morgan (EMEA)

13. GG2 Hammer Award

Awarded to an individual who has broken through the glass ceiling.

Nitin Paranjpe, COO, Unilever

Notes :

Established by Britain’s biggest Asian publishing house, the Asian Media Group, the annual GG2 Leadership Awards highlights and showcases ethnic achievement, talent and leadership in the UK. Held annually, and now in its 21^st year, the winners, recognised for their outstanding contribution to their respective fields, will be announced at the gala event in front of guests from the fields of entertainment, politics, media and industry.

The Asian Media Group publishes a stable of market leading magazines for the Asian community in the UK and USA. The company host a number of hugely successful events and award dinners affiliated with its magazines.

Previous recipients of the GG2 Hammer Award include Baroness Shriti Vadera, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, acclaimed journalist Amol Rajan and Britain’s current Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid.