The BII NITAs are run by BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, and are the only nationally recognised training awards for the licensed trade. The awards aim to recognise and reward training excellence in the trade, and winning a BII NITA is the ultimate endorsement of training excellence.
Professor Conrad Lashley CMBII, chairman of the BII NITA judging panel, said of the winner and the award: “Social Responsibility tops the licensed trade agenda at present, and it is fantastic to see such a large company taking responsible alcohol retailing seriously.
He added: “Convenience stores often get a bad rap for under age sales and the Co-op is setting the standard in training that we hope others will follow. It only by taking the issue seriously, that a positive and safe and sustainable night time economy can be established.”
Joanne Gibson, the Co-op’s food retail training design manager, said: “We were delighted to win not one but two awards. The Co-op isn’t just about sales and profits but we have a commitment to address external issues of social responsibility. To have been recognised in this way from within the licensed retail sector and from BII is fantastic.”
