Retailers hit the capital for Bestway's Awards Night... - Best-one
Retailers hit the capital for Bestway's Awards Night... - Best-one
Retailers hit the capital for Bestway's Awards Night... - Best-one
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
INSIDE<br />
Girl Power!<br />
An empty C-store was too<br />
much temptation <strong>for</strong><br />
entrepreneurs Angie Stevenson<br />
and Sharon Butler. We follow<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir first steps in <strong>the</strong> retail<br />
industry<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
ventures East<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One BDE Claire Pniok<br />
makes in-roads into<br />
unchartered territory with <strong>the</strong><br />
first ever <strong>Best</strong>-One launched<br />
in Essex<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One retailers<br />
start dating our<br />
suppliers.<br />
How <strong>the</strong> very first <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
Speed dating session between<br />
retailers and suppliers proved<br />
to be a huge success <strong>for</strong> all<br />
involved.<br />
<strong>Retailers</strong> <strong>hit</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>capital</strong> <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>way’s <strong>Awards</strong> <strong>Night</strong>...<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One retailer Lisa J<strong>one</strong>s<br />
receives <strong>the</strong> Community Award<br />
from Alistair McGowan and<br />
Zameer Choudrey<br />
<strong>Best</strong>way’s Retailer Development <strong>Awards</strong> <strong>for</strong> 2008 was a huge<br />
success again this year as nearly 400 guests from all over England,<br />
Scotland and Wales attended <strong>the</strong> glittering event at London’s<br />
Grosvenor House on 9th October. See centre pages <strong>for</strong> details<br />
...and when it comes to <strong>the</strong> crunch <strong>Best</strong>-in own label is a real winner.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> effects of <strong>the</strong> credit<br />
crunch bites, research is<br />
revealing how consumers<br />
are changing <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
shopping habits, creating<br />
new opportunities <strong>for</strong><br />
local retailers. James Hall<br />
explains how:<br />
“As <strong>the</strong> research figures come in<br />
we are seeing a dramatic shift in<br />
shoppers buying behaviour.<br />
Consumers are shopping locally to<br />
save on fuel costs, and no longer<br />
driving distances to <strong>the</strong> multiples<br />
<strong>for</strong> a big spend. Instead <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
more likely to buy just what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
need on a day-to-day basis.<br />
Obviously this gives <strong>the</strong> local<br />
convenience store <strong>the</strong> advantage.<br />
In addition we are seeing own<br />
brands taking a bigger share of <strong>the</strong><br />
market, as shoppers are becoming<br />
more cost-conscious. Have a look at<br />
<strong>the</strong> current crop of TV ads from <strong>the</strong><br />
multiples, pushing <strong>the</strong>ir own brands<br />
and you’ll see what I mean. With<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-in own label range at <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
disposal our retailers now have <strong>the</strong><br />
ideal opportunity to <strong>capital</strong>ise on<br />
<strong>the</strong>se current market trends.<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-in has developed in leaps and<br />
bounds since it was established<br />
twelve years ago. Quality has been<br />
given priority over everything and<br />
<strong>the</strong> portfolio of some 500 different<br />
products, ranging from baked beans<br />
to bathroom tissue has been given<br />
a whole new look. The range is<br />
renowned <strong>for</strong> its price marked<br />
packaging, which promotes strong<br />
consumer confidence.<br />
Look at <strong>the</strong> major brand sellers in<br />
<strong>the</strong> shop and stock <strong>the</strong> equivalent<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-in own label product alongside<br />
it, on <strong>the</strong> same shelf if possible.<br />
<strong>Retailers</strong> will find that <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
make around 20 percent on <strong>the</strong><br />
leading brand and by offering <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>-in similar product you could<br />
double that margin, and that is just<br />
<strong>for</strong> starters.”<br />
James Hall<br />
Business Development Controller
GIRL POWER!<br />
When Angie Stevenson and Sharon Butler saw that<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir local convenience store in Newquay was lying<br />
empty, <strong>the</strong>y decided it was an opportunity too good to<br />
be missed. The store had been closed <strong>for</strong> nine months<br />
and was left idle, waiting <strong>for</strong> some<strong>one</strong> to come in and<br />
make it a success once more. Cue Sharon and Angie.<br />
The girls discovered <strong>the</strong>re was a<br />
demand <strong>for</strong> a convenience store in<br />
<strong>the</strong> area. In fact, while <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
renovating <strong>the</strong> store and preparing<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> grand opening, <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
inundated with queries about<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y were opening. And on<br />
<strong>the</strong> night of <strong>the</strong> opening 8 weeks<br />
ago <strong>the</strong>re were more than 40<br />
people queuing outside <strong>the</strong> door.<br />
So far <strong>the</strong>ir first retail venture has<br />
been a success, averaging £9,000<br />
in sales a week. But Angie is quick<br />
to add: “Once word gets out about<br />
<strong>the</strong> store being open, we hope<br />
that we’ll do even better. In <strong>the</strong><br />
run up to opening, we distributed<br />
leaflets and that really got<br />
people’s attention.”<br />
The girls are very appreciative of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir wholesaler <strong>Best</strong>way’s help<br />
and recommend it highly.<br />
They are also full of praise <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
shop fitters who were able to get<br />
<strong>the</strong> store ready <strong>for</strong> stock so<br />
quickly.<br />
And it sounds like <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
work cut out. “The store was in a<br />
terrible state when <strong>the</strong> girls first<br />
took it over” says Ron Wootton,<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One business development<br />
executive <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cornwall area.<br />
“The interior had to be completely<br />
renovated and all fixtures<br />
replaced.<br />
The store is <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Best</strong>-One in<br />
Cornwall and <strong>the</strong> girls are<br />
delighted with <strong>the</strong> support that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have been given from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
symbol group. “Whatever we’ve<br />
wanted, <strong>Best</strong>way has delivered.<br />
Ron has been amazing, he’s taken<br />
calls from us 24/7 and ph<strong>one</strong>s us<br />
everyday to make sure we’re doing<br />
ok,” says Sharon.<br />
So far it has been mostly smooth<br />
sailing <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> girls with <strong>the</strong> only<br />
setback being re-applying <strong>for</strong> an<br />
alcohol licence. “The previous<br />
owner of <strong>the</strong> store decided to<br />
cancel <strong>the</strong> licence and when we<br />
opened we had to re-apply. This<br />
takes 28 days to come through<br />
and until it does we can operate<br />
only on a temporary licence, which<br />
means we can sell alcohol only on<br />
a four days on and <strong>one</strong> day off<br />
basis, which has affected our<br />
business.”<br />
The duo are keen to offer as many<br />
services as <strong>the</strong> can <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
customers and have installed<br />
PayPoint and hot food to go, while<br />
<strong>the</strong> lottery will be coming soon.<br />
They have also opted <strong>for</strong> an epos<br />
system with 2 tills and a back<br />
office system which allows <strong>the</strong>m<br />
to order stock and check weekly,<br />
daily and hourly takings.<br />
There are seven members of staff<br />
altoge<strong>the</strong>r and <strong>the</strong> girls are <strong>the</strong>re<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> day, while running<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir o<strong>the</strong>r businesses too. “You<br />
can’t start a business without<br />
putting in <strong>the</strong> hours,” says Angie.<br />
“We’ve doubled <strong>the</strong> opening hours<br />
of <strong>the</strong> previous owners. They<br />
didn’t open at all on Saturdays and<br />
Sundays and at o<strong>the</strong>r times <strong>the</strong>y<br />
just closed whenever <strong>the</strong>y felt like<br />
it! We know you can’t just stand<br />
behind <strong>the</strong> counter and take<br />
m<strong>one</strong>y.”<br />
“The shop is something of a local<br />
point within <strong>the</strong> town and it was<br />
sorely missed by residents when it<br />
closed,” says Sharon. “The support<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’ve shown us is unbelievable,<br />
we’ve had flowers, cards and even<br />
our first Christmas present from a<br />
customer. ”To help cultivate a<br />
strong customer relationship, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are introducing free local deliveries<br />
in <strong>the</strong> coming months, especially<br />
to help out <strong>the</strong>ir elderly customers.<br />
There’s no doubt that <strong>the</strong> store’s<br />
key location and a savvy pricing<br />
policy have enabled <strong>the</strong>m to get<br />
<strong>the</strong> business off to an excellent<br />
start. Says Angie “We’ve been<br />
charging to suit <strong>the</strong> area. At <strong>one</strong><br />
end of <strong>the</strong> road <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
expensive houses while at <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re are council houses.<br />
We’ve had to set our prices to suit<br />
both ends of <strong>the</strong> market and it’s<br />
worked well so far.<br />
Sharon and Angie will be getting<br />
involved in <strong>the</strong> community fur<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>Best</strong>-One ambassadors<br />
<strong>for</strong> Cornwall so will be helping with<br />
charity drives <strong>for</strong> Barnado’s and<br />
Great Ormond Street Hospital.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> girls have already<br />
been nominated <strong>for</strong> a <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
award in <strong>the</strong> stores category, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
don’t intend to rest on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
laurels. They are constantly<br />
looking to better <strong>the</strong>ir first store.<br />
“Moving into retail was a big step<br />
<strong>for</strong> us,” adds Angie, “We had both<br />
been in business be<strong>for</strong>e, but not<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, and not in this area. It’s<br />
worked well so far and we hope<br />
<strong>the</strong> business will grow.”<br />
Article courtesy of<br />
Convenience Store Magazine
Pathik and Nilu make it a first <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One in Essex<br />
Pathik and Nilu Pandya have launched <strong>the</strong> very<br />
first <strong>Best</strong>-One store in Essex, paving <strong>the</strong> way <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> group in <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
The couple originally ran a <strong>for</strong>ecourt operation, but spotted<br />
a gap in <strong>the</strong> market <strong>for</strong> a local convenience store, and an<br />
available empty unit in Clacton-On-Sea provided <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
opportunity. Pathik and Nilu are well-known in <strong>the</strong><br />
community and have decided to run <strong>the</strong> store <strong>the</strong>mselves,<br />
providing <strong>the</strong> personal touch <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir customers.<br />
The launch day itself was a fantastic success with a visit<br />
from <strong>the</strong> local Mayor who cut <strong>the</strong> ribbon, cracked open <strong>the</strong><br />
bubbly and declared <strong>the</strong> business open, whilst <strong>the</strong> launch is<br />
a real coup <strong>for</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One BDE Claire Pniok who has only<br />
been with <strong>the</strong> company a few months.<br />
According to Claire, “It’s never easy to persuade retailers to<br />
Left to right; Nilu, Claire, <strong>the</strong> Mayor and Pathik<br />
officially declare <strong>the</strong> store open!<br />
change to a group <strong>the</strong>y’re not used to seeing, so it’s really<br />
exciting <strong>for</strong> me to break <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One symbol group into<br />
virgin territory. Now that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One fascia is out <strong>the</strong>re it<br />
will attract more interest and is, in itself, a great<br />
advertisement <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> group. Hopefully this will be <strong>the</strong> first<br />
of many in Essex.”
...And <strong>the</strong> winners are....<br />
It was a fantastic night <strong>for</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One retailers at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>way Retail Development <strong>Awards</strong> 2008<br />
(full details on following pages) And especially so <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>se special retailers who scooped <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
awards. We’ve uncovered a few facts about our winners to find out what makes <strong>the</strong>m tick!<br />
Bulent Demirci<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One National Retailer of <strong>the</strong> year<br />
Store name: <strong>Best</strong>-One Charminster<br />
Address: 376 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth.<br />
Dorset. BH8 9QS Teleph<strong>one</strong>: 07859 912454<br />
Shopkeeper’s name: Mr Bulent Demirci<br />
l Mr Demirci started in <strong>the</strong> retail business in March 2006 in a<br />
small shop across <strong>the</strong> road from where he is now. The shop was<br />
empty and he fitted it out himself with <strong>the</strong> little m<strong>one</strong>y that he<br />
had because he wanted to keep as much as possible <strong>for</strong> stock.<br />
l The first week he took less than £1000, but be<strong>for</strong>e he moved<br />
across <strong>the</strong> road to his new shop he was taking £10,000. He felt<br />
he had outgrown <strong>the</strong> shop so when <strong>the</strong> lease came up on a larger<br />
unit across <strong>the</strong> road he took <strong>the</strong> opportunity.<br />
l The new shop was a gym. Uno did <strong>the</strong> shop fit and <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
did all <strong>the</strong> merchandising and ordering <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> new shop, moving<br />
stock from <strong>the</strong> old shop to <strong>the</strong> new <strong>one</strong> in cages in <strong>the</strong> pouring<br />
rain!<br />
l Mr Demirci has always been loyal to <strong>Best</strong>-One even though<br />
friends have told him that he should shop in cash & carrys in<br />
London. His turnover is now £16,000 a week and rising.<br />
Steven Robinson<br />
National Retailer Runner up of <strong>the</strong> year<br />
Lisa J<strong>one</strong>s<br />
Community Award<br />
Store name: Hillside Food and Wine.<br />
Address: 211 – 213 Amesbury Avenue, Streatham, South, London. SW1 3BJ<br />
Shopkeeper’s name: Steven Robinson<br />
Teleph<strong>one</strong>: 0208 6713355 / 07956 817681<br />
l Steven Robinson started as an independent retailer in a<br />
50sqm shop with a turnover of £3.5 – 4K/week<br />
l He bought <strong>the</strong> shop next door and joined <strong>Best</strong>-One <strong>for</strong><br />
support and advice<br />
l He had a complete refurbishment by Uno to create a 100<br />
sqm shop and included a new 7.5m fridge <strong>for</strong> chilled goods<br />
and soft drinks<br />
l He installed new 3 phase electricity to cope with <strong>the</strong> new<br />
refrigeration and replaced freezers to double door upright<br />
freezers <strong>for</strong> a clearer display<br />
l He also installed point 4 epos system with in-store screens<br />
<strong>for</strong> promotional adverts<br />
l He introduced <strong>Best</strong>-One leaflets, posters and promotions and<br />
also increased his range by introducing Bake and Bite, ethnic<br />
food including Polish and Jamaican, organic lines and<br />
vegetarian lines<br />
l All <strong>the</strong> above has resulted in an increase in turnover of<br />
460% in 12 months to £18.5K/week<br />
l Steven is also a pillar of <strong>the</strong> community, supporting his local<br />
football team by purchasing a football kit <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, providing<br />
assisted shopping and delivery <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> elderly and disabled<br />
plus a number of o<strong>the</strong>r things<br />
Store name: <strong>Best</strong>-One Stop ‘n Shop<br />
Address: <strong>Best</strong> One 38 Station Road, Sholing, Southampton. SO19 8HH<br />
Shopkeeper’s name: Lisa J<strong>one</strong>s<br />
Teleph<strong>one</strong>: 07789 402105 / 02380 435252<br />
l Lisa, an ex-Dorothy Perkins store manager is raising funds<br />
to help pay <strong>for</strong> a new scout hut which is used <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> local<br />
pre school facility and <strong>for</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r community activities.<br />
l Lisa has organised many fund raising events and activities<br />
<strong>for</strong> her local scout group including a visit by <strong>the</strong> local fire<br />
brigade<br />
l Lisa held a fun day in her shop with tea and biscuits where<br />
more than 60 customers enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit<br />
and had <strong>the</strong> chance to chat.<br />
l Robert Morris, a regular customer said, ‘This is a wonderful<br />
idea. I use this shop everyday not only because it is local<br />
but also because Lisa and her team must run <strong>the</strong> friendliest<br />
shop in <strong>the</strong> country. The staff go out of <strong>the</strong>ir way to chat<br />
and be friendly. There’s always a smile. O<strong>the</strong>r shops which I<br />
won’t name could learn a lot from Lisa’.<br />
l Lisa helps disabled and elderly customers with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
shopping including free delivery
<strong>Awards</strong> <strong>Night</strong> 2008<br />
Alistair McGowan’s<br />
riotous impersonations<br />
eased <strong>the</strong> tension no<br />
doubt felt by <strong>the</strong><br />
nominated retailers,<br />
whilst later in <strong>the</strong><br />
evening <strong>the</strong> party went<br />
into full swing as guests<br />
let <strong>the</strong>ir hair down<br />
following <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>malities<br />
of <strong>the</strong> awards<br />
presentations.<br />
Speaking at <strong>the</strong> awards<br />
<strong>Best</strong>way’s Group Chief<br />
Executive Zameer Choudrey<br />
said, “We honour our<br />
champions, who relive day<br />
in day out <strong>the</strong> David and<br />
Goliath story. <strong>Best</strong>way<br />
strongly believes that a<br />
vibrant independent sector<br />
adds to <strong>the</strong> rich tapestry<br />
and <strong>the</strong> quality of what is<br />
life in Britain today.<br />
Independents’ provide an<br />
invaluable service<br />
particularly to those who<br />
are unable to travel to buy<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir groceries such as<br />
senior citizens and <strong>the</strong><br />
disabled.<br />
Un<strong>for</strong>tunately, <strong>the</strong><br />
unchecked expansion of<br />
multiples on <strong>the</strong> high street<br />
is leading to <strong>the</strong><br />
destruction of market<br />
towns all over <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
The independent retail<br />
sector has to compete<br />
much harder than be<strong>for</strong>e<br />
against <strong>the</strong> mighty buying<br />
power and sometimes, less<br />
than fair tactics of <strong>the</strong><br />
major multiples.<br />
Above : Bulent Demirci (top) and Steven Robinson (above) receive<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir <strong>Best</strong>-One awards from Managing director of <strong>Best</strong>way Cash &<br />
Carry, Younus Sheikh.<br />
All of you know – even more<br />
than me – what <strong>the</strong><br />
pressure of that means but<br />
in spite of <strong>the</strong> inhospitable<br />
business climate you will<br />
see, from <strong>the</strong> winners of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se awards, how success<br />
is achieved and hard work<br />
rewarded.<br />
We are very proud to be<br />
able to link up with all our<br />
supplier friends in <strong>the</strong><br />
industry to make this <strong>one</strong> of<br />
<strong>the</strong> most special and<br />
important events of <strong>the</strong><br />
year.”<br />
The top award and title of<br />
National Retailer of <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
went to Harinder Khela of<br />
Khela Food and Wine,<br />
Ro<strong>the</strong>rham, Yorkshire who<br />
took <strong>the</strong> top prize of<br />
£10,000 and collected <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>way Trophy, certificate<br />
and product credits.<br />
The winner of <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
(<strong>Best</strong>way) region was Harry<br />
Haran of Fairways, Anfield,<br />
Liverpool and <strong>the</strong> winner of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn (<strong>Best</strong>way)<br />
region Daljit Athwal of<br />
Shop Around The Clock,<br />
Tenterden, Kent. Both<br />
<strong>the</strong>se winners received<br />
£3,000 prizes and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>way Trophy, certificate<br />
and product credits.<br />
The runners up were; from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Region, Zahir<br />
Rasul and Khalid Hussain of<br />
Pak Supermarket,<br />
Washerwood Heath,<br />
Birmingham and <strong>the</strong><br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Region Hussain<br />
Ordu of City Road<br />
Supermarket, Hackney in<br />
London. Both win £2,000<br />
each.<br />
There were two <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
symbol group awards; <strong>the</strong><br />
winner of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
trophy was Bulent Demirci<br />
of <strong>Best</strong>-One Charminster,<br />
Bournemouth who won<br />
£3,000 and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
runner up Steven Robinson<br />
of <strong>Best</strong>-One Hillside Food<br />
and Wine of Streatham,<br />
London who won £2,000.<br />
They were presented with<br />
<strong>Best</strong>way’s Retailer Development <strong>Awards</strong> are always a red letter event <strong>for</strong> independent retailers<br />
and this year was no exception as this glamorous annual event proved to be massively popular<br />
once again at London’s Grosvenor House.<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir prizes by Younus<br />
Sheikh, managing director of<br />
<strong>Best</strong>way Cash and Carry<br />
group.<br />
The Community Award to<br />
recognise <strong>the</strong> valuable work<br />
d<strong>one</strong> by <strong>the</strong> independents<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> general contribution<br />
to <strong>the</strong> welfare of <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community was won by Lisa<br />
J<strong>one</strong>s of <strong>Best</strong>-One Stop ‘n<br />
Shop, Sholing, Southampton<br />
and she won £1,000 <strong>the</strong><br />
trophy and certificate. This<br />
award was sponsored by<br />
IRN magazine <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />
time.<br />
The awards also recognised<br />
top per<strong>for</strong>ming retailers who<br />
excel in <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y<br />
display and promote<br />
products across <strong>the</strong> key<br />
sectors including; soft<br />
drinks, beer and cider, wines<br />
and spirits, tobacco,<br />
confecti<strong>one</strong>ry, crisps and<br />
snacks, general grocery,<br />
chilled and frozen goods,<br />
household and health and<br />
beauty. This year a new<br />
category <strong>for</strong> water was<br />
added, recognising <strong>the</strong><br />
impact of this product line.<br />
<strong>Best</strong>way’s Cash and Carry<br />
group director of operations,<br />
Arshad Chaudhary<br />
presented <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />
winners with <strong>the</strong>ir awards<br />
of £1,000 each and a<br />
certificate.<br />
The full list of remaining category<br />
winners is as follows:<br />
Category/Sponsors Winner / Store<br />
Soft Drinks Steven James Farrington,<br />
Coca Cola, New Horizon Retailing Ltd.,<br />
GSK Worsley, Bolton<br />
Red Bull<br />
Britvic<br />
Beer & Cider Jamil Akhtar,<br />
Interbrew <strong>Best</strong>-in Supermarket,<br />
Coors Egerton, Oldham<br />
Scottish and Newcastle<br />
Gaymer Cider<br />
Wines & Spirits Karsan Bhimji Patel,<br />
Constellation Wines Cheetam Wines, Manchester<br />
Pernod Ricard<br />
Ernest & Julio Galio<br />
Diageo<br />
Tobacco Fareed Rashid,<br />
Imperial Tobacco All Seasons Food & Wine Store<br />
Commercial Road, East London<br />
Confecti<strong>one</strong>ry Mohammed Kaliq,<br />
Nestle Confecti<strong>one</strong>ry Food Market, Medway Convenience Store,<br />
Cadbury Trebor Bassett Miles Platting, Manchester<br />
Crisps and Snacks Minesh Patel,<br />
KP McVities Arthington Stores<br />
Pepsico Walker Leeds<br />
General Grocer Mr & Mrs Ranjit Singh<br />
& Pet Food Gohlan News<br />
Kellogg’s Mountain Ash,<br />
Heinz Cardiff<br />
Kellogg’s<br />
Mars/Masterfoods<br />
Household and Aurang Zeb,<br />
Health & Beauty Zeb’s, Billesley,<br />
Kimberley Clark Birmingham<br />
Procter & Gamble<br />
Chilled and Frozen Ali Abbas,<br />
Birds Eye Egerton Road South Post Office,<br />
Eatwell Manchester<br />
Muller<br />
Water Ishtiaq Kamran,<br />
Nestlé Waters Raja Bros, Sparkhill, Birmingham
<strong>Best</strong>-One store owner Mr Thirumaaran from<br />
Fleet in Hampshire was <strong>the</strong> proud winner<br />
of Buxton Water’s Cricket Display<br />
Competition which was advertised in <strong>the</strong><br />
last issue of <strong>Best</strong>-Talk. Cricket enthusiast<br />
Maaran won a pair of tickets to <strong>the</strong><br />
Natwest series <strong>one</strong> day international<br />
England v South Africa Match at Lords,<br />
thanks to his creative display of Buxton<br />
Water products.<br />
According to Mr Thirumarran’s BDE Finola<br />
Martin, <strong>the</strong> prize is well deserved too, as<br />
Marran is always a regular supporter of any<br />
promotional activities which are embarked<br />
upon by <strong>the</strong> group. “I’m delighted that<br />
Marran’s won” said Finola “but I’m not<br />
surprised ei<strong>the</strong>r because its obvious when<br />
you visit his store that he understands <strong>the</strong><br />
value of<br />
disciplined<br />
merchandising.<br />
He’s definitely<br />
a worthy<br />
winner!”<br />
Maaran’s a winner at<br />
Lord’s thanks to Buxton Water
AROUND THE STORES<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One Dunstable<br />
Mr & Mrs Amin were in <strong>the</strong><br />
process of purchasing an<br />
existing Premier Store,<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y contacted<br />
Tony Harker who is <strong>one</strong> of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Business Development<br />
Executives <strong>for</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-One.<br />
Mr Amin had recently sold a<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One Store in Bletchley<br />
and so knew of all <strong>the</strong><br />
benefits in being a <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
Store. Tony Harker<br />
contacted UNO <strong>the</strong><br />
preferred shop fitter <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One and over a short<br />
period of time <strong>the</strong> store was<br />
completely refurbished,<br />
floor, ceiling, Micro Lights,<br />
automatic doors ,<br />
refrigeration etc. The store<br />
has now been open <strong>for</strong> 2<br />
months and is on target to<br />
reach <strong>the</strong> turnover Mr Amin<br />
expected. As can be seen<br />
from <strong>the</strong> pictures Mr Amin<br />
keeps his new <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
store to a very high<br />
standard and is constantly<br />
looking at new ways to<br />
develop his business. He<br />
believes strongly in<br />
advertising and promotions<br />
and is currently distributing<br />
some 5,000 <strong>Best</strong>-One<br />
leaflets every month.<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One, Long Crendon<br />
Mr Streethar recently decided to upgrade his local village<br />
convenience store, and joined <strong>Best</strong>-One.<br />
It was quite a challenge <strong>for</strong> Business Development<br />
Executive Tony Harker to try and fit in everything to <strong>the</strong><br />
small but busy store. But with <strong>the</strong> help of Uno, a complete<br />
refit was d<strong>one</strong> and <strong>the</strong> stores turnover has increased by at<br />
least 20%
Spot <strong>the</strong> award winner!<br />
Our more eagle-eyed readers will have already spotted Steven Robinson (below) elsewhere in this<br />
copy of <strong>Best</strong>-Talk. But can you spot <strong>the</strong> 8 differences between <strong>the</strong> pictures too?<br />
Suppliers and retailers <strong>hit</strong> it off on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir first date<br />
The very first <strong>Best</strong>-One Speed dating session<br />
between retailers and suppliers took place on<br />
23rd October at <strong>the</strong> Hilton Hotel, just outside<br />
Bristol, and proved to be a huge success <strong>for</strong> all<br />
involved.<br />
South West BDE Sheila Kelly<br />
was <strong>the</strong> chief matchmaker,<br />
organising <strong>the</strong> event, bringing<br />
all parties toge<strong>the</strong>r, and<br />
ensuring <strong>the</strong> event went off<br />
without a <strong>hit</strong>ch.<br />
According to Sheila, “The<br />
<strong>for</strong>mat was very simple; each<br />
supplier took a table and <strong>the</strong><br />
retailers moved around <strong>the</strong><br />
room, visiting each table <strong>for</strong> 15<br />
minutes only, giving each<br />
supplier a 15 minute<br />
opportunity to “sell” <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
product. It was particularly<br />
beneficial to some of our new<br />
suppliers, such as Cash Score<br />
who provide ATM machines and<br />
Choices video rental, who<br />
relished <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
speak first hand to our<br />
retailers. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand our<br />
retailers loved <strong>the</strong> fact that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y could find out what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
needed to know about <strong>the</strong><br />
products, and <strong>the</strong>n move on,<br />
without wasting valuable time<br />
in conversations with pushy<br />
salespeople. In fact <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>mat<br />
worked so well we will<br />
definitely be doing this again.”<br />
Plans are already in <strong>the</strong><br />
pipeline to organise more<br />
speed dating sessions around<br />
<strong>the</strong> UK with regional dates<br />
pencilled in. Watch this space.<br />
The supplier speed dating line-up included; Allied Bakeries, Bonds<br />
Confecti<strong>one</strong>ry, Card Connection, Cakes <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Connoisseur, Cash<br />
Score, Choices UK, Concept Fire & Security, Country Choice, ITS<br />
Scanning, Imperial Tobacco, Kerry Foods, Keypoint Loyalty Cards,<br />
Pick Me Hair Care, Uno shopfitters, Western Union, and Wilton<br />
Whole Foods.<br />
Now it’s a brighter future <strong>for</strong><br />
Sunshine!<br />
Three years ago this store was an off-licence<br />
stocking only a few grocery lines. Vivien Huggins<br />
and Ilhan Koca, <strong>the</strong> owners, have since built on<br />
this and decided to join a symbol group.<br />
Having spoken to various<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r companies <strong>the</strong>y decided<br />
to go with <strong>Best</strong>-One as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
felt all <strong>the</strong>ir needs could be<br />
met, and had <strong>the</strong>ir store<br />
relaunched as <strong>Best</strong>-One on<br />
3rd July by Madame Mayor of<br />
Bourne, Shirley Cliffe<br />
Since joining <strong>Best</strong>-One <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are really happy with <strong>the</strong><br />
results, and assistance from<br />
<strong>the</strong> group, especially BDE<br />
Christine Reast:<br />
“It was <strong>the</strong> best thing that<br />
could happen to our shop, we<br />
are really impressed with <strong>the</strong><br />
service from Christine and<br />
every<strong>one</strong> involved" said<br />
Vivien. “Having considered<br />
and looked at o<strong>the</strong>r symbol<br />
group options it was great to<br />
join <strong>Best</strong>-One who supported<br />
my needs from <strong>the</strong> offset.<br />
When I rang <strong>Best</strong>-One Head<br />
Office <strong>the</strong> response I got was<br />
immediate, followed by<br />
Christine Reast contacting me<br />
<strong>the</strong> next day to explain <strong>the</strong><br />
terms and conditions with no<br />
hidden costs, which<br />
accommodated my needs. I<br />
am very impressed with<br />
<strong>Best</strong>-One. An excellent<br />
service throughout by all!”<br />
Madame Mayor of Bourne,<br />
Shirley Cliffe added,<br />
“By having a <strong>Best</strong>-One store<br />
to support <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community it is new and<br />
exciting and meets customer<br />
needs. <strong>Best</strong>-One is not known<br />
within <strong>the</strong> East Anglian area<br />
and we need a lot more.<br />
Historically, this was a house<br />
25 years ago, <strong>the</strong>n went on<br />
to become an off-licence.<br />
Now, converted by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>-<br />
One Business Development<br />
Executive, it’s created a<br />
completely new concept with<br />
<strong>one</strong>-stop shopping making a<br />
real difference to <strong>the</strong> area,<br />
helping <strong>the</strong> local community<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir day-to-day<br />
shopping needs.”<br />
The <strong>Best</strong>-One symbol group, part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Best</strong>way Group, has<br />
extended its services to <strong>the</strong> 500 strong membership by<br />
commencing this week <strong>the</strong> roll-out of <strong>the</strong> Western Union M<strong>one</strong>y<br />
Transfer service. Western Union, a world leader in global m<strong>one</strong>y<br />
transfer offers customers of <strong>Best</strong>-One retailers across <strong>the</strong> country<br />
<strong>the</strong> ability to transfer funds within minutes to over 365,000<br />
agent locations in 200 countries.<br />
James Hall, <strong>the</strong> business development controller of <strong>Best</strong>-One said,<br />
“We are <strong>one</strong> of <strong>the</strong> first symbol groups to provide a m<strong>one</strong>y<br />
transfer service. This is a valuable addition to <strong>the</strong> current services<br />
Launch day<br />
The girls ready <strong>for</strong> action!<br />
Be<strong>for</strong>e After <strong>the</strong> refurb<br />
STOP PRESS BEST-ONE OFFERS WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER SERVICE<br />
we promote to our membership. Each member who signs up to<br />
provide <strong>the</strong> service will make enhanced earnings through<br />
commission from each of <strong>the</strong>ir customers’ transactions in addition<br />
to attracting more footfall to <strong>the</strong>ir shop with <strong>the</strong> potential that<br />
brings of more sales.”<br />
<strong>Retailers</strong> can operate <strong>the</strong> service via any existing computer and<br />
broadband service. If <strong>for</strong> any reason retailers do not have <strong>the</strong>se<br />
facilities, <strong>the</strong>se can be provided<br />
on a rental basis.<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation on becoming a Western Union agent, contact your <strong>Best</strong>-One Business Development Executive