John Drakopoulos, Poets Corner Food & Wine, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

“What I like is still being an independent, but the sense of belonging to a group.”


Joe Pestana, Select & Save, Stanford le Hope, Essex

“I’ve just joined after looking at a number of options. Cost was a concern with some of the other groups because there seemed to be a lot of hidden costs.”


Martin Huhulski, Martins General Store, Dartford

“It’s nice to have delivery, but also going to the cash and carry to keep in touch with developments. I only joined three months ago. I had a refit and added off-sales. My sales were up 45% the week I reopened and they’ve gone up ever since.”


Alec & Vivien Hunter, Hunters Convenience Store, Dagenham

“We’ve used the same depot in Salenas Road, since the 1950s. We were the first Premier store and we’re now on our second fascia. They are very supportive.”


Nick Cooper, Hudsons, Bow and Wandsworth

“I like the ‘makeover not takeover’ philosophy because we have our own brand and did not want to lose that. The drop shipment system has also been very useful.”

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