Welwyn Garden City, 7 March 2014: PayPoint retailer Nisa Local in Toddington, was named Community Retailer of the Year at the prestigious Convenience Awards on 6 March. The category attracted a very strong field of retailers who make a real impact on their local area, but store manager Gary Bilborough and his team really stood out for going that extra mile.

Andrew Goddard, Retail Director of PayPoint UK & Ireland, said: “Many local convenience stores play a hugely important role in their local communities, providing a focal point for local residents and community activities. While many of the retailers running these shops work extremely long hours, some, like Gary Bilborough, still find the time and energy to throw themselves into their local community in all manner of ways. The Nisa Local store in Toddington is a shining example of the best of convenience retailing and Gary and his team thoroughly deserve to win this Award.”

The store supports an amazing range of community activities, including: Parkfield Middle School’s summer fairs and school productions; social events and funding for match and training kits for Toddington Rovers under 13s football team; the local theatre group, including £800 for a hearing loop; the local ‘Bedfordshire’s Got Talent’ competition and has even given £500 for a new scout hut.

The store hosts a Christmas party for elderly customers, with over 80 people tucking into a Christmas buffet with all the trimmings.  The school choir sings outside and, when he learned that one elderly customer is housebound, Gary even arranged for the choir to sing outside his house!

The judges said of Gary and his team: “We were particularly impressed by the way he has instilled community involvement into every facet of his store. Gary – along with his staff – is a very worthy winner of this award.”

The Convenience Awards 2014, organised by Wm Reid Business Media, took place at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel in London on 6 March 2014.

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