Ashley Gale, Manager of our Not Just Pets branch in Larkhall has won two awards at the British Independent Retailer Association (bira) conference and gala held on Thursday 15th May 2014 at the Cotswold Water Park. The awards were presented by Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf and Brittas Empire fame.
Ashley’s first award was for the Young Retailer of the Year in his division of Pet Product Retailer Association (PPRA).
After winning his division, Ashley was then up against four strong candidates, who had won their divisions, for the overall award. The other divisions included hardware, cookware, agriculture, gardening, pet and fashion, across the UK. The judges were unanimous in their vote and chose Ashley as winner of the British Independent Retailer Association (bira) UK Young Retailer of the Year.
Ashley was nominated for this award after all his hard work and dedication to the company. At the age of 16 in 2005 Ashley joined Not Just Pets as a Saturday worker. Enjoying his work and engaging with the business and customers, Ashley progressed and last year was offered the manager position at the Larkhall Store.
Ashley’s prizes include Champagne, certificates and two plaques as well as a place at the prestigious Oxford Summer School for Retail at Oxford University. The School offers the best training and development for retail managers.
Not Just Pets owner Janine Tozer said “We are absolutely delighted and thrilled for Ashley to win this award and we are very proud of him. The prize of a place at the Oxford Summer School for Retail is fantastic and, from an ex-graduate of that school I can confidently say he will thoroughly enjoy it and will learn so much. Ashley deserves this award for his hard work and commitment to our Company. He is always organized, dedicated and ready for a challenge and he shows such an interest in our customers, always putting the customer first.”
This year the awards were sponsored by Towergate Insurance. These awards are held by bira to recognise young independent retailers and reward them in their efforts.
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