A MANAGER who helped transform the Sainsbury’s Sale store has been rewarded with a national title.

Dave Howarth has been named store manager of the year at the Retail Week Awards with Oracle.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the retail industry’, the Retail Week Awards honour businesses and talented individuals who achieve excellence across the sector.

Dave was responsible for leading a refurbishment and turnaround programme which has transformed the store over the past 12 months.

This included consistent financial improvement resulting in sales growth of five per cent, recruiting more than 50 new workers, achieving the second highest rating for customer service, raising funds for three defibrillators for schools and being named as one of the Northern Zone’s Greenest Grocers.

After accepting his award at a ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Dave said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have won this award. Being nominated and recognised by Retail Week is one of the proudest moments of my life and such a fantastic achievement.

“Even though this is an individual award, this is definitely on behalf of an amazing team and this is as much for them as it is for me. I also have to mention the incredible customers we have in Sale who inspire me to do what I do every day.”

Dave beat stiff competition from ten other finalists, including Argos, Tesco and Dixon’s Carphone, to clinch the win.

Chris Brook-Carter, Editor-in-Chief of Retail Week, said: “Dave’s leadership throughout the refurbishment and turnaround programme of the Sainsbury’s Sale store over the past 12 months really struck the judges.

“As well as impressive and consistent financial improvement, his personal touch with employees and customers alike are what set Dave apart from the competition.”