Posted:08-April-2013
Original Poster Company franchise's customer shortlisted for FSB Streamline Awards
The Original Poster Company (OPC) celebrates the success of one of its customers as they are nominated for The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Streamline Awards in the South Central area. The FSB Streamline Awards are a national initiative to promote and celebrate innovation and success in small businesses across the UK.
North Marston Community Shop Association runs a thriving village shop in North Marston. It was started as a social enterprise scheme to provide a way for isolated people to meet others and to provide a local shopping experience that cut down on food miles. They have been announced as the finalist in this area for the Micro Business of the Year category and will go through to a national final in April 2013 to find the best small business in the UK.
OPC is the world’s leading greeting card distribution franchise, operating in an industry worth over £1.4 billion just in the UK. Their franchisees install planned greeting card ranges in independent retail outlets such as card shops, newsagents or post offices or in national accounts such as convenience store groups. OPC franchisee Vilesh Shah from Northamptonshire has been working closely with this local shop for the last 2 years, giving locals access to a range of high quality greeting cards.
“Contributing to their success means a lot to me. I was there from the start and to help and see the business develop into what it is now has been a great experience. When I chose OPC the quality of their cards really appealed to me and I believe the fact that our cards are open and not sealed in plastic gives customers the opportunity to feel the quality and see the inside of the card which increases sales,” explains Vilesh.
What makes the shop stand out is the speciality of local food. 46% of food sold is produced either in the village or within 30 miles radius of the shop. All surplus profits go to village projects for the benefit of the community.
“The shop’s team, made up of a management committee, shop manager and volunteers, tries to make our shop a great experience for everyone. We are always looking for ways to improve so it has been simply amazing to reach the final of The Streamline Awards. It is an unexpected and lovely reward for all the hard work the team willingly puts in every day. We are also incredibly thankful to our local suppliers, like OPC whose lovely cards have contributed to our success,” says Mrs Alison Finnemore, Chairman, North Marston Community Shop Association.
Established in 1991, OPC’s franchise network has had complete UK coverage for over 20 years and is a full member of the British Franchise Association. Some franchisees are now selling their existing territories as they retire or move on to new business opportunities, creating huge potential for new owners to step in!
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