July 4, 2019
Millennium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington was the venue for the first ever Vape Business Conference & Awards, hosted by Asian Trader’s publisher Asian Media Group.
The awards celebrated the achievements of retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in the dynamic and growing vaping category.
Amrit Singh Pahal of Nisa Local High Heath, won the top award, Vape Business of the Year – Retail.
He commented: “I am honoured to have won. I have researched the market. I have done my bit. I am honoured to be recognised for it. I appreciate the recognition. I keep on going, keep on persevering. I have got to implement my strategy, get the vaping off the ground and get that vape customer back to the convenience sector.
“I don’t think I did anything specific to deserve this award. I was just concentrating on what I was doing and trying to get the most I could get out of it.
“The other nomninees also did really well, I am honoured to be in the same category as those guys. Those guys are inspirational and I have learned a lot by meeting them today.
“I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge from this conference. I have gained a lot in networking experience which will help me to grow. If I have gained then I know other people have gained. I have gained contacts. A lot of other people are very enthusiastic about learnng and I want to grow with them.”
Earlier in the day, during the conference, Sandy Chadha, CEO of Supreme Imports Ltd said in the future vaping will move from specialist shops to convenience stores, multiples and online.
Amrit Singh revealed how he is using iPads in-store so that consumers can choose their product on the iPad and the till staff will automatically know which product they need.
Andrew Miller, Head of Next Generation Product Sales at blu said vape specialist shops have consolidated as much in two years as convenience stores did in 20 years, with the big chains buying the small stores.
LIST OF WINNERS
Retailer Awards
Vape Business of the Year – Retail
Amrit Singh Pahal, Nisa Local High Heath
Vape Business Convenience Retailer
Amish Shingadia, Londis Caterways & Post Office
Vape Business Specialist Retailer
Faisal Naseem Puff Daddy Vape
Vape Business Online Store
Dan Marchant Vape Club – Vape Base
Vape Business Pharmacy
Jai Parmar – Churchill’s Pharmacy
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Vape Business E-liquid Product
MoMo E-Liquid
Vape Business Capsule
Logic Compact – JTI
Vape Business Best Flavour
Aquavape Fresh Menthol
Vape Business Most Innovative Product
Vype ePen 3 – BAT
Vape Business Product of the Year
MyBlu Intense Liquidpods
Vape Business Supplier
NextGen360 – BMSW
Vape Business Wholesaler
Dan Marchant – Vape Base