Mace Retailer Champion of the Year 2011 Nominees
| Bill Ahearn started in the industry when he joined Heron in 1974 working in various positions in the Company and within a few years rose to Director level. In 1993 following an MBO from Heron, he was appointed Managing Director of Snax 24, a business owned by the Ronson Family. In the last few years Snax 24 has been in a joint venture with EZY Energy in the U.S. together developing and acquiring sites from B.P. More recently Snax 24 were considering major acquisitions in both Central Africa and France, and so their acquisition of Total U.K. is in line with their retail strategy of acquiring quality assets that have development potential. |
Bill Ahearn |
With 12 forecourts in the north west of England, Manor Service Stations is one of the leading independent petrol retailers in the UK. Managing director Peter Brough has been a leading figure in the sector and was named chairman of the then Petrol Retailers Association in 2002. Most recently he has spearheaded calls for independent retailers to join together to form their own fuel brand.
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Peter Brough |
David Charman is a well-respected forecourt retailer who came to the fore as the first winner of the Forecourt Trader of the Year awards in 1996. As well as running service stations in Kent, David has championed the cause of the car wash industry in his role as chairman - and one of the founders - of the Car Wash Association which was set up in 2007 to promote best practice within the car wash industry. Supported by leading car wash manufacturers, oil companies and retailers, the CWA sets high standards for quality and safety, and ensures that all its members act fairly and responsibly.
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David Charman |
The Simon Smith Group is a small, family business based in Gloucester, which runs a chain of seven modern, well-developed forecourts. The company was formed nearly 40 years ago by Brian Tew, when he left Shell. Daughter Susie joined as partner in 2004 and wasted no time in making her presence felt in the industry, winning the NACS Global Scholarship competition in the same year. Her success was swiftly followed the following year by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Forecourt Trader of the Year awards in 2005 at the age of 28.
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Susie Hawkins |
Since taking over James Graven & Sons in 2000, Jonathan James has become a true ambassador for the independent forecourt and convenience retailer. He is the current vice chairman of the Association of Convenience Stores, the founding member of the Budgens National Retailer Council, and sits on the NACS International Committee. Jonathan is also a regular contributor to national media and speaker at numerous industry events.
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Jonathan James |
Sunil Tandon is the managing director of Park Garage Group. The Croydon-based retailer has been through a period of recent growth with saw it move up the ranks from third to second place in the Top 50 Indies 2010 list. Sunil is a big believer in motivating and encouraging his staff and he recently led some members of his team on a climb up Ben Nevis, helping to raise £6,000 for charity. Park Garage Group has its own Park & Shop brand, with its Daily Essentials and Life's Essentials stores. |
Sunil Tandon |
