Our Last Year Winners, Edward Ratcliffe and Emily Tipping Share Their Experience
For both retailers and suppliers, the Peter Jowett Award is more than a presentation or a trophy. It’s a development experience for the up and coming in the industry, that challenges how you think, builds confidence, and opens doors to industry connections that can shape your career.
For Emily Tipping from Suntory Oceania and winner of the Supplier award at Connect 25,
entering was equally demanding and transformative.
“Participating in the Peter Jowett Award was both rewarding and positively challenging. It
pushed me to rethink how I build a story, get over my fear of public speaking and ultimately
helped me find a new level of confidence in my role as a Channel Category Manager.
The process required me to refine my idea, draw on a wide range of insights, and develop a simple industry‑wide solution that was compelling enough for both retailers and suppliers to feel inspired to make meaningful change.”
Entrants were required to answer an industry focussed question and from there, refine a clear idea and shape a solution that resonated with both retailers and suppliers. Being named a winner also meant joining the AACS International Study Tour, which delivered a lasting impact.
“The study tour gave me a completely refreshed perspective on where our channel could go next. Seeing just how thoughtfully designed and experience‑oriented many convenience
formats have become, it really challenged my assumptions about what ‘convenience’ can
mean.”
Emily’s highlight from the trip was, “spending meaningful time with senior leaders from across the industry; hearing their career journeys, exchanging insights from across categories, and understanding how they’re approaching the current challenges that are shaping the future of convenience, which isn’t something you typically get access to day to day.’
For Ed Ratcliffe from 7-Eleven, being named the Retailer Winner was an unexpected and proud moment.
“When I first entered, my goal was simply to become a finalist and present. To have won such a prestigious award is a privilege and something I’ll always reflect fondly on.”
Ed believes the Peter Jowett Award plays a critical role in developing future industry leaders. “It creates opportunities for young professionals to engage with senior leaders across the industry, challenge the way you think and build connections that are hard to access day to day.”
Why You Should Enter – or Encourage Someone on Your Team
Whether you’re considering entering yourself or have a team member who would benefit from the challenge, the Peter Jowett Award offers far more than recognition. It builds capability, confidence, and perspective and gives both a retail winner and a supplier winner the opportunity to join the AACS International Study Tour to Copenhagen and Milan.
On Ed’s experience in the US, he said, “I was excited to gain a deeper understanding of the
American retail market. Travelling alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry also provided a valuable opportunity to learn, share perspectives and continue developing professionally.”
Emily’s advice is simple:
“Just GO FOR IT! Keep your idea clear, focused and grounded in how it benefits the total
industry. Make sure you address the question, back yourself and lean into the process.”
Registrations for the Peter Jowett Award are now open and closing soon.
If you are a retailer or supplier under 35 years old, looking to challenge your thinking, build
confidence, gain exposure to senior industry leaders, and potentially secure a place on the
AACS International Study Tour to Copenhagen and Milan – this is your opportunity.
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