Roli Ranger has been in the retail industry for 18 years so is fully aware of the importance of diversifying and innovating.  He has introduced a number of new services and products.

“We recently installed a coffee machine to complement the store’s food to go section.  We have been running a promotion where they get a free tea or coffee with their food to go. We have also introduced organic wine after some customers requested it and there have been steady sales of organic wine. We have a post office which offers mobile top ups, etc so we have installed a machine so when it is not open, they can still get their mobile top ups and gas and electricity.”

Mr Ranger has also introduced a new cake supplier which does premium traditional cakes.

He admits to being surprised at how popular they are and says “it is going extremely well and I am very pleased with it. They are quite expensive but it shows that people will pay for quality. We are always looking for new ways to generate sales.”

Mr Ranger feels strongly about staff development as having well trained staff is essential for good customer service and a well-run shop.

“We put on regular staff training so they can best meet the needs of the customers. We also link up with manufacturers and see what training they can offer. So when we opened the bakery we worked with Country Choice for training for our staff. The council has come in and gave us packs on health and safety for all our staff. So now our staff are fully trained up in handling food. When they get their certificates we take the staff for a slap up meal to reward them for their achievements.”

At the end of the year, Mr Ranger gives out an employee of the year award.

“It is a motivational booster and a recognition of the work they have doing throughout the year. It is given to an employee who has given above and beyond.”