EXCELLENCE REWARDED AT NFRN AWARDS

24-Oct-08

EXCELLENCE REWARDED AT NFRN AWARDS

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The winners of the fifth annual NFRN Awards were announced at London’s Park Plaza Hotel on Wednesday October 22.

Over the course of a memorable evening, hosted by comedian Tony Hawks, the winners across 16 categories were honoured. They came from all walks of life, from all age groups and from across the breadth of our industry – from retailing, manufacturing, wholesaling and publishing.

For stalwart Tony Pucci there was a well deserved standing ovation as he took to the stage to receive the Lifetime Achiever Award. A Federation member for almost 30 years, Mr Pucci was recognised not just for his dedication to his branch and district, but also for the time and effort he has spent supporting and promoting news deliverers. Over a number of years he has arranged outings and events for them as well as running safety schemes.

London retailers had two good reasons to celebrate with their district president Ralph Patel picking up the Member of the Year Award and Pam Hoffman receiving the Special Services Award

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The award to Ralph was presented for his efforts in transforming branch and district meetings, creating a new format of informal gatherings to help members grow their sales and profits. The Special Services Award was given for Pam’s unstinting support in helping fellow newsagents resolve commercial disputes.

Husband and wife team Sylvia and David Winter of Creaton Post Office in Creaton High Street, Northampton accepted the Community Retailer of the Year Award for transforming a run down village shop into a thriving and vibrant store at the very heart of its community

Heroic Ian Scott was crowned as the news deliverer of the year for rescuing two pensioners from their burning home while dedicated news deliverers Anthony Scanlon from Carrick, Northern Ireland and Robert Hardman from Wellington, Somerset were chosen as the News Deliverer Merit Winners.

Commenting on the ceremony National President Naresh Purohit said: “These awards recognise and reward the success stories from our industry. This can range from actions of great bravery through to good old fashioned service and dedication. We are delighted to have the chance to award our winners for all their hard work and efforts. All have made an exceptional contribution to our industry by doing that little bit extra in terms of commitment, service and dedication. They are an inspiration to us all.”

More than 300 members, suppliers, wholesalers and publishers attended the Awards Ceremony which is sponsored by Booker, HSBC Bank, Wrigley, Dawson News, Alliance & Leicester, NFRN Commercial, NFRN Mutual, NFRN, Imperial Tobacco, Npower Business, AIM, Payzone, News International, Manchester Evening News, Newtrade Publishing and the Daily Mail.

2008 Roll of Honour:

News Deliverer of the Year – Ian Scott

News Deliverer Merit Awards – Robert Harwood and Anthony Scanlon

NFRN Member of the Year – Ralph Patel

Members Employee of the Year Anne Withern

Homelink Delivered News Retailer of the Year Mr and Mrs Gopi Patel

Independent Community Retailer of the Year – Sylvia and David Winter

Independent Magazine Retailer of the Year – Stephen Beddard

Independent Newspaper Retailer of the Year – David Bruton

Lifetime Achievement Award – Tony Pucci

Fellowship of the NFRN – Steven Fox

Special Services to the Industry Award – Pam Hoffman