Store Manager becomes Neurodiverse Business Awards 2026 finalist

Shannon Hilton, Store Manager at our Brampton store in Huntington, Cambridgeshire has been announced as a finalist at the Neurodiverse Business Awards 2026, for Young Leader of the Year!

The Neurodiverse Business Awards shine a spotlight on the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, celebrate organisations that embrace difference, and champion a more inclusive future of work.

"By showcasing neurodiverse talent and the employers who support them, the Neurodiverse Business Awards send a powerful message: neuroinclusion is not a box to tick – it’s a strategic asset. One that unlocks untapped potential, fuels innovation and can help supercharge the UK economy."

Shannon, who started at Central Co-op as a Team Leader and worked their way up to Store Manager in 2023, exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader who is openly and proudly neurodivergent.

Shannon’s leadership has been transformative, turning our Brampton store into a benchmark of operational excellence, efficiency and inclusion. Their approach is rooted in data-driven decision making, ensuring that every process runs smoothly and at pace, while also embedding a culture of accountability and trust across the team.

Under Shannon’s guidance, every colleague in our Brampton store has completed internal training modules, including neurodivergence training, which Shannon championed to ensure the team could lead inclusion from an informed perspective.

This achievement demonstrates Shannon's commitment to professional development and their ability to inspire and motivate others, creating a workforce that is confident, skilled and aligned with organisational standards, while also deeply aware of the importance of inclusion.

Beyond the store, Shannon has made a significant impact regionally, leading projects that have delivered measurable benefits to the wider Society.

At the same time, Shannon has ensured that the store is not just a place to shop, but also a hub of community engagement. In 2025 alone, they spearheaded 18 community-led events, with a particular focus on supporting Purple Tuesday - an annual event that aims to raise awareness and promote events that enhance accessibility for disabled individuals and their families - to make inclusion visible for customers and colleagues. All while also strengthening ties with the local community through ongoing support for the local food bank, nearby schools, and local groups including a youth club dedicated to mental health.

These initiatives have positioned the store as a trusted and valued part of the community, reflecting Shannon’s belief that leadership is about impact both inside and outside the workplace.

As an openly neurodivergent leader, Shannon brings unique strengths to their role, turning lived experience into a source of innovation and resilience. Their structured, decisive energy drives clarity, pace and results, while their neurodivergence informs a leadership style rooted in fairness, predictability and inclusion.

This distinctive approach has elevated team trust, improved customer experience, and demonstrated that neurodivergence is not a barrier but a powerful asset in leadership.

People with neurological differences bring unique skills and perspectives to the workplace. Yet many are underemployed and face significant barriers - from outdated stereotypes and stigma to hiring practices and environments that overlook or exclude them.

Shannon is a leader who embodies the spirit of progress, resilience and inclusion, and we wish them the very best of luck for the awards on the 18th of March!