Company / Business: The Village Shop – Hook Norton             

Number of employees: 17

Years in existence: 33 years

1 – What made you choose CBE as your EPoS supplier?

I’ve known CBE for Epos for a few years, being members of ACS, meeting at industry events and speaking to fellow retailers about the system

2 – What are the main trends you are observing within your industry?

We are noticing more customers shopping little & often along with looking for more value lines.

3 – Can you describe what a typical working day looks like for you?

Every day is different. Currently, we’re expanding the store, so a typical day is in by 8 am, making a cup of tea, and then I’ll meet with contractors and check in with my staff to see how they are doing. A shop floor walk always gives me time to see how things are going, what needs doing & what’s also wrong. Followed by orders, meetings, phone calls, emails etc…

4 – What do you love about your job?

The variety of the job from being in the office or on the shop floor, or unloading a delivery, but most of all looking at how we can improve things knowing I have to make the decision on it.

5 – What do you feel is your greatest strength?

Being a caring employer. We have a great team working for us with very low staff turnover, which shows what a great place it is to work.

6 – How do you think your employees would describe you?

Stressed at times!!!

7 – What job role within your company would you be terrible at?

Customer facing all of the time, if I didn’t have so many things to do I would be a lot better at dealing with customers!

8 – What is the most heartwarming thing you have ever seen an employee do for a customer?

My staff do loads daily for customers, which I just don’t see. A 16-year-old member of staff sitting & reassuring an elderly customer when they had a stroke in the store, waiting with them until an ambulance arrived.

9 – How do you relax after a hard day at work?

I like to cook, particularly in the winter time nothing I enjoy more than a good meal after a long hard day.

10 – Finally, if you could have lunch with one person, who would it be, and why?

My best friends in Australia; it’s been 10 years since we’ve seen each other, just the chance to meet in person and chat over food.