Time is running out for retailers to enter their top employees into the Sales Assistant of The Year 2015 awards.

The awards, run by Convenience Store, celebrate the vital role that in-store staff play in terms of customer service, community engagement, standards and much more.

Last year’s winner Anita Nye, from Eldred Drive Stores (Premier) in Kent urged other managers and store owners to enter their staff before it was too late: “Entering is easy and the results, if you win, can be life-changing,” she said. Since winning Anita was promoted to store manager and has also been asked to speak at a number of high-profile industry events.

Anita’s win has also had a number of positive benefits on the business as a whole. Store owner Raju Patel said: “Anita’s win not only helped to boost motivation and enthusiasm in Anita and the team, but it has also been a great talking-point with local customers.

“We keep the award above the counter where it re-inforces the fact that we are a caring, quality, local business,” he added.

The closing date for entries is now just weeks away on 21 August.

The overall winner will be richly rewarded with a cheque for £1,000 while the store manager or owner will also claim £250.

Entering has never been easier, just visit www.salesassistantawards.co.uk