Celebrations as Hartlepool store wins top award

McColls in Blackhall was voted as the number one store overall at a recent company event held in Telford.

The team beat more than 1,300 other McColls for the coveted title.

Manager Paul Simpson, who took over the store in 2014 said: “We had to go through a number of rounds to reach the final then it was up to the sponsors who they thought deserved the title.

“It was all based on our answers to questions, our store standards and customer service.

“We were so proud to be shortlisted but to win the award felt amazing as we do strive to have high standards when it comes to customer service.

“We always ask how our customers are doing and are on hand to help those who may need a little bit more assistance.

“It is such a hard award to win and we have done it within two years so it goes to show just how much the shop has changed.

“Blackhall is a great community with great customers and we are proud to be part of it.”

The store, which employs 10 members of staff on a mixture of full and part-time contracts, had to undergo a rigorous selection process before being named as best store in the country.

All staff received a bonus for winning the top prize as a thank you for their efforts.

McColl’s was founded in 1973 in vending operations and by 1994 it had become involved in retail through its ownership of Forbuoys chain of Newsagents.

In 1994 it opened it’s first food based convenience store. Four years later is acquired the Martin’s chain of newsagents and convenience stores.

It opened its 750th convenience store in 2014.