Imperial Tobacco has recognised the achievements of independent retailers at its third annual ignite awards.

Left to right: Rachael Geake, activation manager of Imperial Tobacco; ignite champion, Dhruv Patel of KS Newsagents, London; and awards host Dominic Holland.

Hosted by comedian and Radio 4 broadcaster, Dominic Holland, the event took place at the Intercontinental O2 in London and culminated with the crowning of the ignite champion, Dhruv Patel from KS Newsagents, London.

Commenting on his win, Patel said: “I am delighted to have won this prestigious award. We have worked hard over the past year to ensure our store’s success, and the ignite rewards programme has been key to assisting us on that journey. To be nominated was a great honour, but to go on and win is just fantastic.”Sophie Hogg, head of sales & marketing at Imperial, commented: “Ignite is all about celebrating the work and commitment of the independent trade. The programme provides guidance and support and helps us work together with retailers to ensure that they navigate the category and any legislation whilst driving their business success.”

Cameron Miles, market manager at Imperial, added: “We’re delighted to be able to celebrate once again the fantastic achievements of our ignite members over the past year. This ceremony demonstrates how close collaboration with the vital independent retail sector provides the ingredients to deliver success on all sides. Ignite is a vital platform for us and we are very grateful for the efforts all have gone to in order to reach the heights of 2017.

“Congratulations to the winners, and I look forward to seeing ignite go from strength to strength in 2018 and beyond.”

Full list of winners:

Stock IT: Payal Patel, Glebe General Stores, Kettering

Price IT: Ravithas Sivalingam, St Stephen’s Store, St Albans

Sell IT: Kamlesh Patel, Fulford Convenience Store, Bristol

Most Improved: Mumtaz Ali, Mace South Bridge, Edinburgh

EUTPD Success Story: Ziheed Mohammed, Shell Woodman, Leeds

Ignite Champion: Dhruv Patel, KS Newsagents, London