Horsham store is named best independent at awards hosted by TV star Alex Brooker

A Horsham store has been named the best independent at an awards ceremony hosted by TV star Alex Brooker.
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Londis Caterways and Post Office won Best Independent Store at the Retail Industry Awards.

The awards were presented in an online ceremony by Alex Brooker who is best known for his television work with Channel 4, co-hosting The Last Leg and The Jump.

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Amish Shingadia, of Londis Caterways and Post Office, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received such high recognition.

Staff at the Londis store celebrate the awardStaff at the Londis store celebrate the award
Staff at the Londis store celebrate the award

“We have worked hard to ensure our community has been safe and looked after.

“The team are key workers, and we are proud of their selflessness. We would also like to thank our volunteers for their dedication, as well as our neighbours The Coot pub and At Home Estate and Lettings Agency.

“A final thank you would go to the love of our customers over the difficult year, we have received thank you letters, hand-drawn pictures, cakes and hundreds of thank yous – all of them have really given us motivation.

“This award is an accolade to them all.”

Staff at the Londis store celebrate the awardStaff at the Londis store celebrate the award
Staff at the Londis store celebrate the award
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“Normally the awards would be held in London during a big gala hosting the giants of the industry including The Co-op, Tesco and Lidl, he added.

Amish said: “This is the retail industry equivalent of the Oscars and a celebrated occasion in the annual calendar.”

The award followed a three month rigorous assessment of the store’s operation, ethos and standards with a final evaluation by a panel of 16 judges from Cadbury, The Post Office, Bookers and the Co-op.

The store’s efforts for the community, particularly during the pandemic, have also been recognised by local group the Coots Farm Community and MP Jeremy Quin, with a certificate and letter being presented.

Staff at the Londis store celebrate the awardStaff at the Londis store celebrate the award
Staff at the Londis store celebrate the award
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In his letter, Jeremy Quin said: “I know, from constituents, that you and your team played a vital role in helping the vulnerable and those shielding during lockdown.”

In a separate letter for the award he added: “These are fantastic achievements and you all should all be proud. It is a testament to all your hard work.”

Post Office Retail and Franchise Network Director, Amanda Jones, praised Londis Caterways and virtually presented the Post Office award. The actual award will soon be arriving at the Sussex store.

Amanda Jones said: “Caterways is a well-deserved winner. This really shows what can be achieved with a talented team who invest in the business to get the right retail offering, investment in staff and really cares about great customer service and the community that they serve.”

Volunteers who supported the home delivery serviceVolunteers who supported the home delivery service
Volunteers who supported the home delivery service
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The success for Londis Caterways has been credited largely for its service to the community, staff development and use of technology, Amish said. The work done to support locals during the Covid-19 crisis with the help of hero volunteers, At Home Estate and Lettings Agency and The Coot pub was a standout feature.

Amish said they delivered a free same day delivery grocery resulting in over 1000 deliveries in conjunction with Horsham District Council.

This latest award follows other awards over past 12 months including Best Post Office and Unsung Heroes. Londis Caterways is twinned with its sister site Budgens Southwater.

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