Patrick Sewell and David Craven-Jones of the Hull-based Sewell Retail Group

took the top prize at last month’s Forecourt Trader of the Year awards, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane Hotel.

At a sell-out ceremony attended by nearly 700 guests, and hosted by celebrity DJ Tony Blackburn, the staff at Sewell Retail made their presence felt with a succession of awards, including Best Neighbourhood Site, and Best Main Route Independent in the 10 sites or more category, not to mention several other specialist awards.

Patrick, managing director of Sewell Retail, and operations director David, said they were "blown away" by their awards.

"I recall attending the function some 10 years ago, not knowing anyone and feeling our business was all a very far cry from what these guys were achieving," said Patrick. "So I’m very clear, over the years that the Forecourt Trader awards (and just generally) has helped me grow my business network, and set the standards to which we have to aspire.

"So it’s fantastic to get recognised for what we do up here in Hull."

FORECOURT TRADER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009


SPECIALIST PRODUCT CATEGORIES

Best Site with a Licence to Sell Alcohol
Quentin Wilson from Sewell Retail Chanterlands, Hull

Best Car Care & Lubricants Outlet
Quentin Wilson from Sewell Retail Chanterlands, Hull

Best Confectionery Outlet
Damian Lewis from Strensham North, Strensham

Best Crisps & Snacks Outlet
Philip Tout from Touts Budgens Nailsea, Bristol

Best Customer Service
Danny Syrett from Roughton Service Station, Norfolk

Best Display of Chilled Food
Sharon Stanley from Tates Spar Battlefield, Shrewsbury

Best Eco Friendly Outlet
Peter Roachford from Sainsbury’s Badger Farm, Winchester

Best Food-to-Go Outlet
Oliver Lodge from Gilhams Service Station, Midhurst

Best Forecourt Facilities
Brian Stoddart from Gem Bluebell Way, Preston

Best Hot Beverages Outlet
Katherine Batch from Sewell Retail Willerby, Hull

Best Use of Retail Technology
Tom Massey from Sewell Retail Pocklington, York

Best Soft Drinks Outlet
Andrew Hattersley from Isenhurst Service Station, Heathfield

Best Tobacco Merchandising
Ellen Bebb from Newtown, Skelmersdale




RETAIL CATEGORIES


RURAL

Rural - Independent dealer with up to 9 sites
Conor McKibbin from Brennans Spar, Seaforde, County Down

Rural - Oil Company owned/franchisee/commission agent
Asitha Edirisinghe from Murco Costcutter, Bourton on the Water

Best Rural Site overall
Conor McKibbin from Brennans Spar, Seaforde, County Down



NEIGHBOURHOOD

Neighbourhood - Independent dealer with up to 9 Sites
Philip & Lesley Tout from Touts Budgens Nailsea, Bristol

Neighbourhood - Independent dealer with 10 sites or more
Patrick Sewell & David Craven-Jones from Sewell Retail Chanterlands, Hull

Neighbourhood - Oil Company owned/franchisee/commission agent
Peter Woods from Murco Costcutter, Canvey Island

Neighbourhood - Oil Company/supermarket-owned and managed
Nicola Farrell from Trolans Supervalu Ballymoney, County Antrim

Best Neighbourhood Site overall
Patrick Sewell & David Craven-Jones from Sewell Retail Chanterlands, Hull



MAIN ROUTE

Main Route - Independent dealer with up to 9 sites
Edward Prosser from Harry Tuffins, Ludlow

Main Route - Independent dealer with 10 sites or more
Patrick Sewell & David Craven-Jones from Sewell Retail Willerby, Hull

Main Route - Oil Company/supermarket-owned and managed
Phil Marsh from Esso Hartlebury Service Station, Hartlebury

Main Route - Oil Company owned/franchisee, commission agent
Charles Henderson from Townparks Service Station, Antrim, County Antrim

Best Main Route Site overall
Edward Prosser from Harry Tuffins, Ludlow



BEST MOTORWAY SITE

Gill Lockhart from Cardiff West Motorway Service Station



BEST OIL COMPANY INITIATIVE

Esso - ROC UK Safety in Action
Winner

Total - ECO 10
Highly Commended


RETAILER CHAMPION
Sailesh, Kamlesh and Hasmukh Thakrar from HKS Retail



FORECOURT TRADER OF THE YEAR 2009

Patrick Sewell & David Craven-Jones from Sewell Retail Chanterlands, Hull