Little Milton Village Shop Report to the Village, May 2011

 When I came to Little Milton 1983 there were 2 pubs, a chapel, the church, a little infants school and 2 shops one hosting a post office. By 1999 we had lost the chapel, 1 pub, both shops and the post office. (But, ironically, gained an estate agents!)

Loosing the post office was a bit of a red rag to a bull for villagers; a steering group was quickly formed to reinstate the PO and in 2000 the goal was achieved. But this was a temporary situation and plans were in motion to build a new larger shop and post office.

 And so, in Sept 2009 it became a reality, a credit to the tremendous hard work and commitment of all those who planned, supported and ran the project (and all those who got involved in little ways).

 Now we have our community shop and post office, (Little Milton Village Shop Ltd, an IPS run and owned by the community) jointly managed by Alison and Annie.

 We are one of the smaller communities to have a Community Shop (there are around 250 in the country) and it is significant that we have to draw on our smaller population for the vital team of volunteer helpers (around 17). Thank you Team, we couldn't do it without you! We can always do with more support - can you help?

 The shop and post office serve two markets: Little Milton and the surrounding area (we get a lot of support from Little Haseley), and passing trade from the A329. Both of these are vital to the success of the shop and post office.

It is still early days. Last financial year (ending March 2011) the turnover was around £120,000.00 and we expect this to improve in future years. We still have loans to repay and we are striving to turn the business to profit . Now, growing the business is a major task which the trustees and shop management are committed to. We continue to review and improve our product mix as we grow. (Come and find some real treats!)

The coffee shop is an outstanding success, performing much better than we had expected. In the summer we can expand outdoors - in the winter it becomes a little more cosy! In the summer term on Thursday afternoons there is a boost in trade after school PE on the playing field.

And so, I believe that our village shop is strengthening our local community.

Passing trade continues to grow with "Coffee-to-go", "Hot soup and a roll", filled rolls, sandwiches and cakes doing well. The post office has seen significant growth since the move, and with increased custom from local businesses too. (Don't forget, postage stamps bought at the supermarket don't help our post office!)

Special promotions and events at Christmas and Easter have proved very popular and successful - and we are planning more events at other times of the year.

Thank you for your continued support as customers and helpers!

 But don't forget, we really do need more helpers - try it, you'll enjoy it.

Mike Erwood.

Chair of Trustees, Little Milton Village Shop Ltd.

Report to the village, May 2011.