Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
INSPIRATIONAL grocers were recognised for their achievements during a period of economic challenges and personal loss for the sector at the 33rd Asian Trader Awards, which took place at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Hotel last Wednesday (9).
The top award of the evening – the Asian Trader of the Year 2022 – went to Scottish independent retailer Shamly Sud.
Her achievement in transforming her flagship Racetrack Pitstop Premier store into a destination venue attracting shoppers from many miles around her hometown of Strathclyde was recognised as an inflexion point in the development of the industry. It showed the way forward for the vibrant retail sector to compete with supermarket chains, and to serve their local communities in ways that others simply could not match.
Sud, whom the judges called a true convenience entrepreneur, now runs 11 stores, with plans to open more and to franchise their own in-store concessions.
This year’s competition for Asian Trader Magazine’s top collection of grocery industry awards was more numerous and intense than ever, with the judges noting the quality of entrants and the difficulty of deciding between them.
Among the winners in the product category were Mondelez International for confectionery; PepsiCo for its Kurkure Asian-inspired snack; and CCEP for its Relentless Zero Sugar drink.
The winners among the retailers and wholesalers featured Parfetts for its Sheffield cash and carry depot in the Wholesale Depot of the Year category, while the Ram Solanki lifetime Achievement Award went to Steve Keil of Booker, a legendary industry figure.
Retailer Amrit Singh of Walsall in the West Midland won the coveted Spirit of the Community award, and Jayaseelan Thambirajah of MSP Noble Group, Cambridgeshire, took Convenience Chain of the Year. A new award for 2022, the OffLicence of the Year, to take account of the amazing progress in retailing the alcohol category by the convenience channel, was scooped by Neha Phoughat.
Kevin Hollinrake addresses guests during the event
Kevin Hollinrake, minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, graced the occasion as chief guest, as leading suppliers, manufactures and wholesalers gathered to celebrate the very best of convenience retail.
Hollinrake expressed sympathy with independent retailers over crime, energy costs and the level of business rates.
He said, “Now, finally, we are moving towards a period where we can provide certainty and stability. Both government and business have much to do, and I can rely on the determination and resilience and innovation of your sector as we work together. Small business is the very foundation of a dynamic, productive economy that creates employment, and brings huge benefits for the consumer.”
Kalpesh Solanki gives the keynote speech
Hollinrake paid tribute to the passing two months earlier of Asian Media Group (AMG) matriarch Parvatiben, widow of the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of the company as “a true spirit of community and a real pioneer in every sense of the word”.
He also described the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, as “the best person to run the country in terms of his intellect and talent, and also one of the most decent people to have ever entered British politics.”
MP Dawn Butler during the event
Guests in the packed Plaza ballroom included politicians including Labour MP Dawn Butler and Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, along with executives and leaders of many of the UK’s foremost producers and suppliers. Bestway Wholesale managing director Dawood Pervez sat alongside Cereal Partners’ vice-president Nicolas Wahli and British American Tobacco’s head of business development Mustafa Zaidi.
Nish Kankiwala, who recently stepped down as CEO of Hovis plc and is now a non-executive director of the John Lewis Partnership, shared a table with Alpesh Mistry, sales director of Suntory Beverage and Food, and sponsor Sunmark Ltd’s general manager, Mohan Khurana.
Shefali Solanki-Nair makes the charity appeal
By coincidence, the awards this year fell on the birthday of AMG’s group managing editor Kalpesh Solanki. After the resident band cheered him onstage with a rendition of Happy Birthday (“It was supposed to be a secret!” he joked), he spoke about the recent death of his mother on the same day as the Queen, linking together the growth and change that had taken place during the lives of both women.
“In the years of the Queen’s reign, Britain has become a kinder, gentler and freer society,” he said. “We are a more tolerant and welcoming society and the open racism of my parents’ generation has largely disappeared. And though there is still much to do to create a more equal society free of discrimination and prejudice, there is a deep sense of togetherness and community spirit in our country.”
Shailesh Solanki (L) and Mark Stananought
Solanki also hailed the contribution made by independent retailers during the pandemic, describing them as “the heart of that togetherness”, but noted the new problems facing the sector.
These include the cost-of-living-crisis; additional regulation and red tape; duties and obligations, such as HFSS and the DRS scheme soon to be introduced in Scotland; and the way in which many local authorities “continue to create obstacles by making it difficult to shop on the high street, with ever more parking restrictions, low traffic neighbourhoods and introduction of cycle lanes”, he said.
His daughter Shefali introduced the charity appeal, which this year was in aid of the research at Imperial College of Dr Jiri Pavlu, who works at Hammersmith Hospital. His patients included Shefali’s grandmother Parvatibenm who he treated for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A worthy and appropriate cause, and a somber moment in a joyous and successful evening honouring Asian Trader award winners.
Kalpesh Solanki with Andrew Yaxley
Other product and manufacturer awards
Convenience Snacks Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Kurkure, PepsiCo
Convenience Soft Drinks Bottled Water and Juices Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Relentless Zero Sugar, CCEP
Convenience Confectionery Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Cadbury Caramilk Buttons, Mondelez International
Convenience Vape and Next Generation Product Brand of the Year: Nordic Spirit Spearmint, JTI
UK-BASED Nanak Hotels recently acquired the 60-room Kings Court Hotel, a 17th-century property in Warwickshire, England, for £2.75 million. This is the first regional acquisition by the privately held firm led by British Indians Harpreet Singh Saluja and Karamvir Singh.
Nanak Hotels, which operates a UK property portfolio, plans to invest in the property's refurbishment and repositioning, according to a statement from Colliers International UK, which brokered the transaction.
“We’re excited to bring Kings Court Hotel into our portfolio as our first Warwickshire acquisition,” said Saluja. “It has a solid foundation and loyal customer base. We see potential to develop the hotel while preserving its heritage.”
The West Midlands hotel, on a 4.2-acre site between Alcester and Redditch, began as a 17th-century farmhouse and now operates as a hospitality business with public areas, event and conference facilities and wedding capacity for up to 130 guests.
The hotel’s previous owner said Kings Court had been central to their work for over 30 years.
“It’s been a privilege to grow it into what it is today,” the owner said. “As we retire, we’re pleased to see it pass to a new owner who shares our commitment to hospitality and has a vision for its future.”
“The sale of Kings Court Hotel drew strong interest due to its size, location and trading performance,” said Josh Sullivan and Peter Brunt of Colliers International UK. “We’re pleased to have completed the transaction with Nanak Hotels and look forward to seeing how they develop the asset.”
In February, UK-based Shiva Hotels, led by founder and CEO Rishi Sachdev, secured $372m (£289m) to renovate The BoTree in Marylebone, London. Separately, Indian tech firm Oyo announced a $62m (£48m), three-year plan to expand its UK hotel portfolio by acquiring inventory and securing leasehold and management contracts, supporting 1,000 jobs.
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PRIYA NAIR has been appointed as the CEO and managing director of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), effective from August 1. She will be the first woman to lead the company in its history.
The announcement was made by HUL on Thursday (10). Nair, who currently serves as president, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will take over the role from Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31 to pursue other interests.
She has been appointed for a five-year term and will also join the HUL board, subject to necessary approvals. She will continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive.
Nair began her career with HUL in 1995 and has held various roles across sales and marketing in the company’s Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses.
Between 2014 and 2020, she served as executive director, Home Care and later as executive director, Beauty & Personal Care from 2020 to 2022. She then moved to a global role as the chief marketing officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, and in 2023, was named president of the business.
Under her leadership, the Beauty & Wellbeing division has grown into a more than £10 billion global business covering hair care, skin care, prestige beauty, and health and wellbeing, including vitamins, minerals and supplements.
She has overseen brand building, innovation, revenue growth, digital transformation, and profit delivery.
Speaking on her appointment, HUL chairman Nitin Paranjpe said, “Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. I am certain that with her deep understanding of the Indian market and excellent track record, Priya will take HUL to the next level of performance.”
Nair’s appointment comes after Jawa’s two-year term, during which the company focused on volume-led growth. “On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success,” Paranjpe added.
Over her 28-year career, Nair has built and managed several leading consumer brands. She is recognised for turning around underperforming businesses and leading cross-functional teams.
The Indian executive has also served as an independent director on the board of a publicly listed Indian company, a board member of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and a member of several government-backed partnerships and industry bodies.
Nair currently lives in London with her husband and daughter.
(with inputs from PTI)
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The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London.
THE UK economy contracted unexpectedly in May, marking the second consecutive monthly decline, according to official data released on Friday. The figures present a challenge for the Labour government as it attempts to revive economic growth.
Gross domestic product fell by 0.1 per cent in May, following a 0.3 per cent contraction in April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.
Economists had forecast a 0.1 per cent increase in GDP.
The data comes at a time when prime minister Keir Starmer's government is dealing with global challenges, including US tariffs and persistent inflation.
The Labour government’s fiscal strategy relies heavily on economic growth, particularly after recent reversals on welfare cuts and winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves described the figures as "disappointing" and said there was "more to do."
Labour has announced plans to reduce red tape and has unveiled a multi-billion pound investment programme aimed at the National Health Service and infrastructure to boost growth.
In separate data published by the ONS on Friday, UK exports to the United States increased by £0.3 billion in May. This followed a record fall in April when President Donald Trump's tariffs took effect.
"Growth is becoming incredibly difficult to achieve for the government," said Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter.
"The plans put in place so far are unlikely to move the needle in the absence of improving business and consumer sentiment in an environment of ongoing cost pressures," she added.
ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said there were "notable falls in production and construction" which affected GDP in May.
She said the decline in production was led by "oil and gas extraction, car manufacturing and the often-erratic pharmaceutical industry."
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The bank's commitment to green lending reflects focus on sustainability (Photo: Getty Images)
BANKING major State Bank of India (UK) has cut interest rates on its buy-to-let mortgage products to help landlords reduce borrowing costs.
The bank said the rate cuts would help landlords invest in rental properties and meet growing demand for rental homes across the UK.
For the Standard Product Range, interest rates have been reduced by up to 35 basis points across all Loan-to-Value (LTV) tiers for five-year fixed-term products. In the SPV Product Range, rates have been cut by up to 40 basis points. Additionally, a flat fee has been introduced on larger loans for limited companies, aiming to simplify the lending process, a statement said.
The Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) product range has seen significant improvements. Rates have been reduced by up to 90 basis points on two-year fixed products and up to 50 basis points on five-year fixed products. Non-green properties now benefit from a flat rate of 5.15 per cent for five-year terms.
Fees for five-year products have also been lowered to 1.50 per cent for 50 per cent and 65 per cent LTV. Furthermore, green properties receive an additional discount of 10 basis points. Also, pricing for Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFB) has been brought in line with the HMO product range, offering similar rate reductions and terms.
Abhishek Sahay, chief business officer at SBI UK, said the bank wanted to support landlords with better lending deals.
"We understand the importance of service standards and have added capacity to our underwriting team to process applications in a timely manner," he said. "We recognise the crucial role landlords play in the UK housing ecosystem, and these rate reductions are designed to help them thrive in a dynamic market."
He added that the bank's ongoing commitment to green lending reflects focus on sustainability and reduction in the carbon footprint of the housing sector.
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Starlink will next need to acquire spectrum from the government, build ground infrastructure, and carry out testing and trials to meet the agreed security requirements. (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA’s space regulator on Wednesday granted Starlink a licence to begin commercial operations in the country, removing the final regulatory barrier for the satellite internet provider.
The company, led by Elon Musk, has been waiting since 2022 for licences to start operations in India. It received an initial approval last month from India’s telecom ministry and was waiting for clearance from the space regulator.
The licence, issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), is valid for five years.
Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing sources, that Starlink had secured the licence from IN-SPACe.
Starlink is now the third company to receive approval to enter the Indian satellite communications market. India has previously cleared applications from Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
The company will next need to acquire spectrum from the government, build ground infrastructure, and carry out testing and trials to meet the agreed security requirements.
Musk and Reliance Jio’s Mukesh Ambani had disagreed for several months over how spectrum should be allocated for satellite services. The Indian government later supported Musk’s position that spectrum should be assigned, not auctioned.