The Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2011

Nominations set to open on the 7^th of July for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2011

The Second annual Awards recognises the best in the independent retail industry.

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards will take place at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow on the 13^th October 2011. The sparkling occasion recognises and rewards independent retailers for their hard work and their commitment and dedication to their businesses. Nominations will open on the 7^th of July for 12 weeks, closing on the 29^th September 2011.

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards highlight the value that independent retailers add to the communities and country they operate within; thus acknowledging their diversity within the industry. The Awards also celebrate the entrepreneurial flair and business acumen that the best in the business possess, nurturing their ventures to success.  

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards were introduced in September 2010. The nomination response from the Scottish public and independent retailers was phenomenal thus, returning  this year as title sponsors, United Wholesale (Scotland) (1) are gearing up to present an even bigger and better event. Asim Sarwar said: “Awards such as The Scottish Independent Retail Awards provide an excellent opportunity for any business and entrepreneur. These events not only acknowledge and congratulate fellow retailers, they also provide occasion to meet with like-minded people and create and develop long standing business relationships. At United Wholesale (Scotland) we understand the importance of being a community business and appreciate the impact that community can have on business decisions and success. Running your own company presents many challenges but it is also exceptionally rewarding and these Awards truly acknowledge the hard work that goes into planning and managing your own ideas and bringing them to life”.

Irfan Younis, Founding Director of Creative Oceanic (the event organisers) said: “The Scottish Independent Retail Awards launched only last year and we were immediately overwhelmed by the response from business owners wanting to be involved in the event and of course, from the Scottish public eager to nominate their favourite local, independent retailers. The response rate was exceptional; over 4000 nominations were received and we are confident that that figure can easily be surpassed this year”.

There is a broad spectrum of categories for independent retailers and their patrons to nominate in the following titles:

• Convenience Store of the Year
• Newsagent/Grocer of the Year
• Off Sales of the Year
• Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year
• Responsible Retailer of the Year
• Hair & Beauty Retailer of the Year
• Fashion Retailer of the Year
• Accessories Retailer of the Year (inc. shoes, bags, jewellery)
• Technology Retailer of the Year (inc. printers, mobile phone shops, electrical goods)
• Book/Stationery Retailer of the Year
• Service Provider of the Year (inc. travel agents, business services)
• Health & Lifestyle Retailer of the Year
• Eatery of the Year (inc. cafes, restaurants)

The Scottish public can vote for their favourite within the categories using the online nomination form or by downloading a copy and sending it to Creative Oceanic (3). The glittering ceremony on the 13^th of October is geared up to be a very glitzy bash with nominations opening from the 7^th of July and closing on the 29^th September 2011.