Retailers and wholesalers went above and beyond to serve communities hit by severe flooding. Even when their own businesses were being affected.

This month, more than 600 flood warnings and alerts were put into place across the UK. These were following heavy rainfall from Storm Henk. Although the flooding has subsided in some areas, the Met Office warned rising temperatures melting snow and ice could cause more floods.

Sarj Patel, of Pasture Lane Stores in Loughborough, was impacted by the extreme weather. Nevertheless, he ensured his business was open to serve his local community.

He told Better Retailing: “The flooding was up to the door and it had affected availability. We had to close temporarily at first. I’ve only got basic essentials such as milk, water and bread. Other suppliers were unable to get to the shop due to floods on the road.

“I’m operating on regular hours to ensure residents can get essentials. I’ve also told the village hall they can take any essentials they need, no questions asked.”

Similarly, Mike Sohal, of Dallam Stores in Warrington, worked with the nearby Sikh gurdwara to provide nearly 300 meals for those impacted by flooding.

He added: “Some customers were unable to access vital services, such as medical care. We’ve gone to check on them.

“A partnership with Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity is also enabling us to raise and donate money to those impacted most.”

Retailers stepping in to provide hot meals to storm-hit communities

Kuldeep Dhillon, of Nisa Locking Stumps Post Office, in Birchwood, Warrington, also provided hot meals to the community.

“There is a local youth charity that provides affordable meals, alongside teaching children useful skills such as finance management and sports,” Dhillon explains. “My wife has been assisting there to ensure their services can continue.

“I’m a councillor, so it’s important for me to ensure the whole area is supported in such difficult circumstances.”

Meanwhile, confectionery wholesaler Hancocks reopened its Loughborough depot last week, after the site was submerged under water. Fifty members of the Hancocks team worked tirelessly to remove the flooding and get the depot suitable for retailers.

Hancocks chief operating officer Jonathan Summerley said: “The team all pulled together to get the Loughborough store and the head office back in business.

“Clearing up after flooding is difficult. The damage and destruction left by the water is hard to take, but our incredible team handled it with smiles on their faces and lots of dirt on their clothes by the end of the clean up.”

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