Gloucester retailers Prashant and Trupti Patel wins Best Smokeless Alternatives Retailer award at Asian Trader Awards

Prashant and Trupti Patel, who run the One Stop Brockworth store in Gloucester, have won the Best Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year award, supported by VELO, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.

Prashant is another adventurer who arrived – first from India, and then via a career in mobile technology – at retail, where he has made his true home.

Prashant, who is a non-smoker himself, works with his wife Trupti and 10 full-time staff with a zeal and energy under the franchise model of One Stop and tending to his unique Tobacco and Alternatives display that has done so much for his sales of alternatives.

The couple is deeply involved in their local community supporting many causes, including the residential care home, local nursery and the local food bank. They have transformed this retail business with imagination and innovation.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.

Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.

“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.

“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”

Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.

Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.

Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.

The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.