Retailers on the Frontline: Meet Suresh

Here at Payzone, we’re very proud of our retailers, as many have gone above and beyond to help their vulnerable customers. That’s why we’ve launched our brand new Retailers on the Frontline Awards, as voted for by customers.

Our customers have been busy giving us some great feedback through the survey at the bottom of their bill payments receipts. So we’ve been visiting the nominated retailers to say thank you in person, and present them with a gift voucher as a small token of our appreciation.

We also thought it was a great opportunity to share some of the fantastic work that Payzone retailers have been doing within their communities.

Meet Suresh Patel

On the main road in a large, residential area of Northampton, is Best-One convenience store. Best-One was purchased by Suresh’s father in 1985 and it has remained in the family ever since. Situated close to Northampton Saints Rugby Club, a busy bingo hall and two schools, the store is always very busy, attracting a wide range of customers.

So, what has Suresh and his family been doing since the outbreak of coronavirus?

Best-One convenience store was one of the first in the country to recognise the hard work of NHS staff, by offering a much needed free coffee to all who visit the shop. In a bid to help the most vulnerable in the community, who must self isolate, Suresh set up a free delivery service. Best-One delivers essential items to those who need it within one hour of ordering. The Patel family even collect gas cards and electricity keys that need topping up for those who cannot leave their home.

“I want to do everything I can for my community." Said Suresh. "With the store being on the main road we get lots of NHS staff coming in for their free coffee on their way to work, which is nice to see. We’re also happy that we’ve been able to help vulnerable people in the area with our home delivery service. I think people appreciate the service because we’re doing between 40-50 deliveries a day.”

Over the years, the Patel family has forged a great relationship with their suppliers, which has worked in their favour. At the beginning of the pandemic when people were panic buying essentials, Best-One didn’t once run out of much-needed items such as bread, milk and eggs. And, even with strict hygiene and social distancing rules in place, customers are praising Suresh and his family on their Facebook page for the friendly service they continue to provide.

To Suresh and all those who work at Best-One convenience store, thank you.