At a time of increased economic concern and closure of small businesses left right and centre, it is inspirational to see a shop not just bucking the trend but giving so much more to a community than Tesco Metro or Sainsbury's Local.
I was privileged to attend the inaugural award ceremony at the House of Commons yesterday, for the small shop of the year awards. The awards were born out of a Parliamentary cross-party group chaired by David Aymes MP. Held in conjunction with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) the awards sought to recognise not only great local shops, but those shops that go the extra mile to play a real part in the local community they serve. Amidst the excitement there was a salutary reminder that we either "use it or lose it." If we fail to patronise our local shops they just won't survive.
Hundreds of shops were nominated from all over the Country. Of those the top ten were invited to attend the ceremony yesterday (10th March). Without question all those in attendance had some extremely strong credentials.
However, in true Oscar style the announcements were made and top of the poll was our very own Manny's!
I am sure I speak for us all in Long Ditton when I say we are extremely proud of Manny and all he has achieved. Manny is a credit not only to Long Ditton but to all he serves on a daily basis. I was also privileged to spend an afternoon with Manny's wife, mother-in-law and three daughters, all of whom are rightly very proud of their Dad! Photos of the day to follow!
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