Retailer Kim Patel wins award for bringing ‘heart back into the high street’

Sussex-based retailer Kim Patel and his family were “over the moon” when they heard they had won the 2025 Community Award by Ardingly Parish Council. 

Since 2020, the Patel family has operated Ardingly News Shop in Ardingly, West Sussex.

The award recognised their outstanding dedication to ensuring disabled villagers are supported, elderly residents are cared for and daily essentials are always available, said Ardingly Parish Council.

The council praised them for their “smiles, good grace and extraordinary work ethic”.

An initiative amid the Covid-19 pandemic - and still running to this very day - saw the family deliver goods to the elderly. “This is a predominantly elderly village, 70% of the people are over 60. They call up and tell me a list of things they need and I let them know what time I can deliver,” Kim told Convenience Store.

“During the challenges of Covid, they stepped up without hesitation, anticipating what people might need and ensuring no one felt alone or forgotten. Their compassion and commitment never wavered,” said Ardingly Parish Council.

“Kim has truly put the heart back into the high street, and it’s an honour to celebrate a family that is an irreplaceable asset to our village. Thank you, Kim and family, for everything you do.” the council added.

When Kim took over the store five years ago, he immediately upped the stock by 50% because shoppers rarely visited the previous owners due to a ”lack of goods”.

“People now have more confidence in knowing that they are going to get the goods they need,” said Kim.

The family were “proud” to be the first recipients of the award after the council introduced it this year to honour unsung heroes in the community.

“The store is not only a convenience store for people to come and buy things, it’s also a community store where people can come and talk about anything, whether it be sports, weather or about family,” said Kim.

“If somebody’s done something well in the village, we talk about that. It was a locals 100th birthday yesterday and we were lucky enough to get invited to the absolutely amazing birthday party she had.”