Blakemore Wholesale recognises top retailers

Blakemore Wholesale’s annual retailer of the year grand awards evening and gala dinner, held in Burton-on-Trent, saw 12 regional businesses being honoured and four category prizes being presented.

Stores were judged on such criteria as internal and external standards, customer relationships, product range, merchandising and local community involvement.

Judged best retailer for the third time, from among 650 entrants, was the Belle Vue convenience store in Middlesbrough, which carries the Lifestyle Express logo.

Owner Bay Bashir received total prize money of £11,500, plus £700 from Blakemore to be given to a charity of his choice.

Blakemore Wholesale stores director Nick Rose said: “The awards demonstrate how suppliers, wholesalers and retailers can work together to showcase the best of what independent local stores have to offer.”

Tel: Blakemore Wholesale (01902) 366066