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Top New Talent is back for 2015. Nominations are now open and can be made via SurveyMonkey or by emailing us (see below for details).

Top New Talent is The Grocer magazine’s celebration of dynamic individuals operating in fmcg under the age of 35.

Previous years highlighted the incredible talent and the diversity in fmcg, featuring buyers, suppliers, creatives, techies, marketers, company founders, online experts, store managers, inventors, own-label chefs, PRs and more. You can read about them here.

There are a number of reasons why it’s worth putting yourself, or someone else, forward to join them.

TNT offers a huge boost to an individual’s profile, both externally and internally. “The wider recognition has definitely had a positive impact,” said one young director from a leading retailer. “The award was a significant highlight of my year and career to date.”

“I always mention the award to customers and have had top food buyers congratulate me,” said one product founder. “The award has given my business kudos and it definitely helps with securing sales and gaining reputation in the grocery industry. Since the award I have gone on to secure listings in Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason.”

TNT also means an invitation to a drinks soirée to celebrate and network, in a relaxed and informal setting, with senior industry figures as well as the other rising stars on the list, often holding wholly different jobs within the industry.

“The evening itself was a really great experience - being surrounded by like-minded people,” said one TNT after the event. “It was relaxed and welcoming and people really wanted to talk to each other – conversation flowed easily and there was plenty of laughter too. My advice to anyone thinking of entering is that this is a great opportunity if you’re ambitious. Not only can you build your network, but this is also one of the best opportunities out there to broaden your perspective.”

Many have also forged close business relationships with each other as a result.

“I’ve kept in touch with a number of people I met at the event, which is quite rare for such events, so it really stood out,” said another TNT. “It’s nice to know people who are in a similar position to you with similar ambitions and to be able to pick up the phone to them for advice. I’ve both received and given advice so I think it works for everybody.”

As for whether anyone thinking of entering should do it, all the advice from the TNTs is positive.

“Go for it,” said one. “Share what you’ve achieved and your ambitions”.

Another said: “Put any doubt to the back of your mind and do it. It’s easy to be put off by thinking it’s too early in your career, or that you’re not in the right sort of role, or that other people have done much more impressive things. But don’t be put off. It’s a great opportunity.”

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday 30 September. The event will take place at a private party at Altitude on Monday 9 November. The TNT list will appear online and in The Grocer on Saturday 14 November.

Head to the survey page now to enter, or nominate someone else. Or email us and include the following:

Name of nominee:

Job title:

Company:

DOB (nominee):

Contact details (email & telephone):

Name of nominator:

Job title:

Contact details:

Reason for nomination (200 words or less):

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