We have always been keen to support other local businesses where possible and, in particular, small producers. With the ever increasing interest in food miles we are ideally situated, in the Fens, to source local fruit and vegetables and hence reduce the amount of time and effort spent hauling produce around the country. With Shropshires in Barway being just 2 miles from our Soham store, we must be able to boast that we have some of the least travelled salad products in the UK!

Whilst being brilliant for the environment, sourcing locally is also excellent for the local economy. Local growers are benefiting from local shops selling local products and the revenue remains local. Everyone wins and the consumer gets extremely fresh produce.

At the beginning of June, Charles Shropshire from Shropshires came to our Soham store and spent a great deal of time teaching the local school children about how to grow salads and the journey they make from the fields to the store. It was really fascinating for the children who all thoroughly enjoyed the day. However, it was also a great day for us and Charles, as two local businessses were able to promote their products in a very positive way to the future generation. We will always support local growers as they are vital to the communities in which we operate.

Operating stores in rural areas has its advantages and we are lucky enough to trade in communities that are happy to work with us. The recent My Shop Your Shop Campaign was a massive success for us as I am sure it was for all of the other retailers throughout the UK who took part.

It started well with myself and Ken at Soham becoming centre page in the Daily Mirror advertising the benefits of working with the Police. Sarah Stevens, our Community Manager, managed to organise activities throughout the entire week at Dersingham and Soham and the customers loved it!! Chris at Soham was a natural when it came to being Bertie Bassett for the day and our younger customers all left the store grinning from ear to ear having met Bertie! Our local Doctors Emergency Service, MAGPAS, the Fire Service and Police all took part on the Monday and it allowed the public to chat with them about concerns or for advice.

Local suppliers got the chance to meet the customers whilst tempting them with various delicious goodies. Thursday was the day that we were particularly excited about with the two Primary Schools in Soham visiting the store. Charles Shropshire, of Shropshires, our local salad producer, was on hand to teach the children how a lettuce made its journey to the supermarket from being a seed. All the children left with their own lettuce plant in hand to nurture and grow. We even offered to sell the finished product in the shop but they were not too keen!

My Shop Your Shop has been a great success for us because our communities got behind it. Whilst we will have lots going on in the next 12 months, I can’t wait for next years week of activities. Whilst we will try to, we may well struggle to beat the great week that we have just had.