A YOUNG entrepreneur with shops in Rhyl and Prestatyn has said it is a “fantastic honour” to be named a winner at a nationwide convenience retailing award ceremony.

Nathan Whiteside, a third-generation news agent, was a winner in RN’s 30 under Thirty 2023 award, which highlights the best young achievers in convenience retailing in the UK.

Award winners showcase incredible sales and profit growth driven by novel ideas, the organisers said.

Mr Whiteside has navigated the challenges that face young people entering the retail industry, finding remarkable success as a One Stop franchisee. 

The Whiteside family name has been recognised in Rhyl and Prestatyn since the 1970s, with Nathan’s grandfather Sam Whiteside a former President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

MORE: Meet the third-generation Rhyl entrepreneur taking on family business

Sam instilled strong retail values into his son Phil, who owns the stores, and has passed down this tradition to his son, Nathan, who manages the stores.

Formerly running their stores with a symbol group, the Whiteside family accrued decades of traditional early morning cash-and-carry runs ahead of long shop floor hours, which led Nathan to consider a new path for the business, in the form of a One Stop franchise.

Nathan said: “It's a fantastic honour, and I couldn't have achieved this without our fantastic team and supportive customers.

“I’d like to thank my family for all of the help, guidance and encouragement given to me over the years to get me to the point I am at today.

“I’m so appreciative of all of their hard work and the community that we are a part of today!”