== Best confectionery outlet - sponsored by NestlÉ ==

The Roadchef MSA, Clacket Lane North site, on the M25 in Kent, won the Best Confectionery Outlet award.

Forecourt manager Farukh Rizvi says: "We have a very good planogram that we get from head office as well as some excellent promotions. The till area is the attack point for this category so we try to get as much product near there as we can."

Graham Walker, Nestlé UK trade communications manager, advises retailers to use industry data to find the top-selling lines. "If you’ve got space for 50 lines, then go for the top 50 in the category and look at your own sales data and epos to compare and contrast.

"Concentrate on the display and divide it into the different ’need states’ such as snacking, pleasure, hunger, and treats, and then group products together into these areas. And don’t forget secondary displays such as floor bins with ’three for two’ offers."

== Best crisps & snacks outlet - sponsored by Walkers ==

The Phoenix Filling Station in Glasgow, which won Best Crisps & Snacks Outlet, was praised by judges for being "clean, tidy and well-stocked".

According to Walkers, sales of crisps, snacks and nuts in forecourts are worth £50m a year, with Walkers holding a 53% share of the market (Nielsen data total coverage, 52 w/e November 1, 2008). Retailers should stock the best-selling ranges to drive footfall and include cross-merchandising.

Phoenix manager Asim Baig says the key to getting the most out of the category is making sure the display is well maintained.

He adds: "The stock is rotated so nothing is left on display that’s out of date, which is very important. The main thing is that the standard has to be high. And it’s important to know what customers want. If they ask for something and we haven’t got it, we’ll order it in for them. That’s what it’s all about really."

== Best customer services - sponsored by American Express ==

Spar Castlerock Road in Coleraine, Belfast, took the Best Customer Services award. Judges were looking for a clean, welcoming forecourt and shop; a product range relevant for the target audience; a demonstration of a warm welcome to customers by all staff; recognition of the needs of different customer segments; examples of ’going the extra mile’ for customers; and a welcome acceptance of all payment methods.

Andrew White, retailer supervisor at Spar Castlerock Road, says: "We try to make sure we have plenty of staff members and that they’re always willing to help answer customer questions. And if anyone is elderly we’ll help them as much as we can with their shopping. We also try to order in the stock that people request. And most importantly, it’s always service with a smile."

Also winner of Best Impulse Ice Cream Outlet.