INDEPENDENT grocery retailer Simon Biddle is in line for three top industry awards.

Mr Biddle, who runs Biddle’s Simply Fresh in Redditch, has been shortlisted in the 2014 Retail Industry Awards for independent community retailer of the year, chilled retailer of the year and the independent retailer of the year. In addition, the Simply Fresh Symbol Group has been shortlisted for fresh produce retailer of the year – Symbol Group, Symbol initiative of the year for its "We Love Food, We Love Our Community" initiative, and Symbol/Fascia group of the year.

Now in its 19th year, the Retail Industry Awards has become firmly established as the Oscars of the grocery industry, rewarding excellence across a raft of different categories.

Mr Biddle said: "“We’re thrilled to have been nominated for not one but three awards in the Retail Industry Awards this year. We’re particularly delighted to have been shortlisted for the chilled retailer of the year since we have worked really hard to bring some delicious chilled dishes, freshly made in our new on-site kitchen to our customers. We’re looking forward to attending the ceremony and celebrating with the other retailers that will be there. Hopefully we’ll replicate last year’s success and bring back some more silverware.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Thursday , September 25, when members spanning the whole industry will gather to recognise and reward the smallest independent retailers alongside the largest supermarket groups. As well as the awards presentation, the ceremony will include a drinks reception, a three-course dinner and celebrity entertainment.