A STALYBRIDGE store is officially the best in the community in the UK after winning a prestigious honour.
Nila Patel, who owns and runs Premier Millbrook Mini Mart and Post Office, has been named Community Champion of the Year at the exclusive 2025 Fed Awards.
Work in creating a welcoming shop, on Huddersfield Road, is just part of the reason why it has earned recognition from one of Europe’s biggest employers’ associations.
For helping raise funds to buy 10 sleeping bags for homeless people also played a role in the success in the first awards Nila – who saw off competition from stores in Glasgow and Birmingham – had entered.
The Federation of Independent Retailers’ award was presented to the winner on Wednesday, June 18 by its news operations manager, Pete Williamson, at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham.
The judges said: “Premier Millbrook Mini Mart and Post Office is more than just a shop – it’s a hub of kindness, creativity and community.
“From free fruit for schoolchildren to raising funds for local charities, Nila and her team create a warm, welcoming space where everyone is supported, valued, and truly cared for.
“Through a GoFundMe page for the Manchester charity Don’t Walk Past, Nila raised enough money to purchase 10 high quality sleeping bags for the homeless.”
After receiving her award, Nila said: “It feels amazing to win the Community Champion of the Year.
“I have been a retailer for nearly 24 years and I have never entered for any awards before, this was my first.
“I was inspired to enter after being encouraged by my fellow empowering women retailers, some of whom I have only met over the last year.
“They all inspired me to enter, apply and simply go for it! I am truly honoured.”