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Any convenience store operator – independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets – can enter. Applicants must submit a film of under 5 minutes, which will show what they have done in the past year to support their local community and what they have done in the past year to support fellow retailers.
The judges are Raj’s wife Sunita Aggarwal; James Convenience Retail managing director Jonathan James, Budgens Kenilworth owner Avtar Sidhu; and ACS chief executive James Lowman.
The films will be judged using the following criteria: engagement of colleagues in conceiving and delivering activity, impact on local community, sustainability of activity, and overall work to support other retailers.
Entries must be received by Sarah C Johnson at ACS by Monday 13 September. More information is available here.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Raj was the epitome of a community-minded retailer and greatest supporter of fellow community retailers. We announced the Raj Aggarwal Trophy in his honour at last year’s Heart of the Community conference and are pleased to welcome entries to its first-ever award.
“This award provides the opportunity to celebrate retailers who have been shining examples of community retailing and we look forward to receiving your entries.”
Two finalists and the ultimate winner will be invited to attend ACS’ Heart of the Community conference on 12 October, where the winner will be announced at an exclusive parliamentary reception with retail minister Paul Scully MP.
The Do As Raj Would Do campaign – which urged retailers to donate goods, supplies or products to charities, organisations or individuals most in need in their local communities – has so far raised more than £32,000 for two local NHS charities.
