Do you believe you run the best fuel retail business in the industry – or have the best loo, car care section, or on-site team?
The Forecourt Trader Awards 2026 have now been launched, giving operators a chance to win one of 12 specialist categories – from best site manager to sustainability strategy – in addition to the coveted overall prize of the Forecourt Trader of the Year.
The awards, backed by principal sponsor Booker Retail Partners, are the most prestigious in the sector and are open to all types of forecourts, from rural locations providing an essential service to their communities to bustling urban sites and motorway service stations.
As well as a national winner, there are regional awards, with an opportunity for forecourt operators to demonstrate they lead the way in innovation and customer service in their part of the country.
You have until Tuesday May 5, to tell us why your business shines.
Your site does not have to be the biggest, the busiest, or even the newest; it just must be the best at giving customers what they need, day in, day out.
Regardless of ownership or operational status, the main retailer categories are grouped by two main criteria – region and fuel volume.
Retailers compete for the high-status title of best forecourt retailer in one of six regions: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England, Midlands, West Country and Wales, and London and the South East.
For each of the regions there will be a winner for fuel volumes up to 4mpla and over 4mpla.
There is also a category for Best Motorway Services Outlet, a Special Recognition Award and Best Oil Company Initiative, sponsored by ME Group.
The overall Forecourt Trader of the Year will be chosen from the winners of the regional and motorway categories.
Specialist categories
In addition to the regional awards, all retailers can submit entries for these specialist categories:
Best Alternative Fuels Outlet – sponsored by Gadjet
Best Car Care & Lubricants Outlet – sponsored by CDG
Best Community Engagement – sponsored by Essar
Best Customer Service
Best Food-To-Go and Coffee Outlet – sponsored by Rollover
Best Forecourt Innovation – sponsored by Spar
Best Forecourt Loo
Best Forecourt Team – sponsored by Jordon Group
Best Site Manager
Best Soft Drinks Outlet – sponsored by CCEP
Best Sustainability Strategy
Best Valeting Services – sponsored by LKQ and Euro Car Parts
To enter click through here
The awards presentation and dinner is being held on Thursday October 8, 2026 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
The individual ticket price to the black tie event is £359, and to book a table of 10 guests the price is £3,590.
How to enter
Online: Go to the awards website forecourttraderawards.co.uk
For further information and assistance contact Rebecca George on 01293 610422 or at Rebecca.george@wrbm.com
Make sure you get your entries in by the deadline: Tuesday May 5, 2026.
