Delightful award-winning shop is right at heart of the community (From Cotswold Journal)

Delightful award-winning shop is right at heart of the community

5:00pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News

‘SUPPORT our village’ is the message from the owner of an award-winning convenience store in Mickleton.

Harj Dhasee, owner of the Nisa Village Stores, wants to send a positive message to people in the village and surrounding area thanking them for their support after winning a ‘My Shop is Your Shop’ award from the Federation of Wholesale Distributors.

He stressed the importance of supporting local businesses within the community.

“If we work as a community we can keep all local village amenities and services in business,” he said. “It would be great if people could do their weekly shop using the businesses in the village and not just visit us once a week for a loaf of bread.”

The award recognised Harj and his staff’s commitment to the local community.

Harj and his family recently spent time and money revamping the premises and expanding their range of products. The shop now has everything from a delicious deli counter offering local cheeses to fresh morning coffee and croissants. Harj supports a number of local businesses and stocks a wide range of produce from nearby farms and suppliers.

Since Harj moved to Mickleton five years ago, he has got to know everyone in the village and is now an active member of the community including a school governor, a regular attendee at parish council meetings and a village hall and diamond jubilee committee member.

“Whether it’s by supporting village businesses or getting to know your neighbour, if you put the effort into the community you get the rewards back.

“I, more than anyone, know that,” he said.