The Raj Aggarwal Trophy for outstanding community retailing was awarded to Linda Williams of Broadway Convenience Store in Oxgangs, Edinburgh, at the Association of Convenience Stores’ Heart of the Community event, which took place yesterday in Westminster, London.
The award, which was created to mark the legacy of independent retailer and community champion Raj Aggarwal who tragically lost his life to covid, was presented by Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business at the Terrace Pavilion in the Houses of Parliament.
Upon receiving the trophy, Linda, who runs the store with husband Dennis and daughter Sophie, said: “Raj was a great example for us all to follow and he paid the ultimate sacrifice and we’re very honoured to receive this in his name.”
The team at Broadway Convenience has worked tirelessly to create a safe environment where members of the public know they can seek refuge, as well as helping to bring people together and assisting local groups. They have also raised thousands of pounds for members of the community suffering from terminal and life threatening illnesses by organising fundraisers with dance groups, singing and raffle prizes.
They have also taken children who were struggling at school and helped put them back on track by giving them work in the store and helping to give their lives structure. What’s more, they have helped to build bridges between the local community and the army community at the nearby barracks by employing army wives to work in the store.
Linda said: “When you live and work in a place and you are part of that community it is natural to want the best for your friends and neighbours who are also your customers. When people need a bit of a boost with fundraisers or helping out with the school - these things benefit everybody. If you live in a happy, healthy community, it’s only going to help your business.”
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