AN EAST Lothian shop owner has won a top accolade at the Scottish Grocer Awards 2018.

Ferhan Ashiq, of Day-Today Ashiqs in Prestonpans and the Levenhall Village Store, Musselburgh, was presented with The Entrepreneur Award at a ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel last Thursday which was hosted by comedian Craig Hill.

The event, described as the biggest awards programme of its type in the country, is held to recognise and celebrate the very best in Scottish convenience retailing.

The Entrepreneur Award was decided in secret by a panel of experts. The Scottish Grocer team and the award sponsor locked themselves away to consider who best represented the entrepreneurial spirit in Scottish retailing - and Mr Ashiq "shot to the top of everyone’s list".

Mr Hill said: "An economics graduate working in Dubai, [Mr Ashiq] returned to Scotland in 2013 and was encouraged to take over from his father. He agreed but on the condition that the business must expand."

This opportunity came in 2014 when the former Levenhall Post Office was refurbished to become the Levenhall Village Store.

Mr Hill added: "The concept was food to go with convenience attached, making use of the latest technology to create a business fit for the future.

"Just over a year ago the dream was realised - a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly village store, with social media marketing and innovative food-to-go solutions at its heart.

"Beyond the new store, he has led the way with e-cigarettes and introduced online ordering and home deliveries through his store website."

Mr Hill said Mr Ashiq had "positioned himself at the heart of the local community", becoming a Prestonpans community councillor in 2015 as well as chairing the Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership and the Cockenzie Forum.

Mr Ashiq said: "I am honoured to have accepted this award, I could not have done it without the support of my team and my family."

Brian Weddell, chairman of​ Prestonpans Community Council, said: "This award is a well-deserved recognition of Ferhan's contribution to the local community both as a small business owner and a community activist."

Martin Whitfield, MP for East Lothian, added: "Ferhan is a great colleague and friend who I have known for several years. This award speaks for itself when it comes to his business acumen and the important role of his stores in the communities they serve.

"What I have also witnessed time and time again is his dedication to the local community and to local people. That commitment can be seen through his active role on Prestonpans Community Council and now as the chairman of the local area partnership.”

Iain Gray, East Lothian's MSP, added: "This award is clearly well-deserved recognition for Ferhan’s entrepreneurial skills.

"However, after having come to know Ferhan well over the last few years, I have always been impressed as much by his commitment to working for his local community as his innovation as a businessman."

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, said: "I am delighted to hear of Ferhan Ashiq’s accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur in Scotland. I have no doubt we will see his name at future award ceremonies and look forward to hearing of his successes in the coming years.

"I wish him the best of luck as he continues to grow his business and give him my sincere thanks for being a positive contributor to his community."