A Surrey newsagent Manny's is top of the small shops

The winner was Manny’s of Long Ditton, run by Manoj and Minal Patel. Manny’s was voted Small Shop of the Year in the Country and was presented with a trophy, certificate and a commemorative House of Commons plate at a reception at the Houses of Parliament this week.
 
They had been nominated for the award by Ian Taylor for working tirelessly with the local police and council to build up community links and for their commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their business and for the independent retailing sector. Local Cllr Tim Grey also attended the awards ceremony as a guest of Ian Taylor and supporting Manny’s nomination.
 
Whilst there can be no doubt that supermarkets, through their might in terms of purchasing power, can often offer goods at a lower price than a small shop, they find it difficult to complete in terms of quality and the very personal service that small shops are able to provide for their customers.
 
Ian Taylor said:
 
“This country is still a nation of small shopkeepers and Manny’s is a wonderful example of an outstanding shop which gives a first rate support to its customers. It’s range of goods and services include many which are vital to those especially who are unable to travel far. It has revitalised community life in Long Ditton.”
 
A delighted Mr & Mrs Patel said:
 
“It is an honour to accept the very first Small Shop of the Year Award not only for Manny’s but also for Long Ditton and most of all for our valued customers. Thank you to David Amess MP for awarding Small Shop of the Year Award 2010 to Manny’s and for launching such an inspiring award. Thank you also to Ian Taylor for nominating and considering Manny’s worthy of this prestigious award.”
 
The Small Shop of the Year awards were launched by David Amess, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group (APPSSG) earlier this year to rally support for small local retailers and to highlight the valuable role that they play.
 
Congratulating all the finalists who had come from all over the country, judge Ken Parsons, Chief Executive of the Rural Shops Alliance, said the awards sought to recognise not only great local shops, but those shops that go the extra mile to play a real part in their local communities.
 
Commenting on the awards, Mr Amess said: “Through the Small Shop of the Year competition we are seeking to highlight the importance of small shops and the quality of service they offer and remind shoppers that ‘if you don’t use them you’ll lose them’”.
 
Supporting the competition was the National Federation of Retail Newsagents – a trade association representing the interests of independent newsagents and convenience stores – whose National President Suleman Khonat said:
 
“Independent retailers are facing many challenges and need the support of MPs and the government to create a trading environment that allows us to operate profitably and contribute fully to the economy.
 
“The NFRN would like to thank David Amess, all other members of the APPSSG and all MPs who nominated their local shops. It is great to see shopkeepers who work 16 or more hours a day, seven days a week to be recognised for their enterprise and community spirit.
 
“We are proud to be associated with this award and hope it will run for many years to come.”