The judges are standing by to meet your entrants for the top award for store staff

Our annual search for superhero sales assistants is well under way but don't panic, if you haven't decided which of your splendid staff to put forward for the award you've got time to order your entry pack on 01293 610354 and get your entries in to us by August 28.

The Sales Assistant of the Year Awards are more than just an excuse for a night out in London and lunch at The Dorchester, one of the capital's most prestigious hotels. They are a big thank you to the frontline troops of our industry, the shop staff who represent your business to your customers and, just as important, they demonstrate the unique bond of friendship and service that local stores share with the their communities.

No one recognises this more than the four suppliers who supported last year's awards so much so that they have all committed to sponsoring this year's event as well.

Representatives of P&G, General Mills, Mars Chocolate UK and JTI make up our judging panel, and as part of the selection process they will take to the road to visit some of the entrants in their stores, to see first hand how our superhero sales assistants distinguish themselves, whether it's through their dedicated service to the community, their exemplary management of a particular section or category, the great ideas they've come up with to add to the store's success, or perhaps the example they set to their colleagues and their contribution to staff training.

So the stage is set. The industry is waiting to meet the stars of the stores. Superheroes, step forward.