Local post office transformed into popular convenience store

About the business

A hugely popular local store, Stevenston Post Office offers key services, including cash withdrawals, cheque deposit services and express mail services in the community.

How Business Gateway has helped

Business owner, Manpreet Bawa, contacted Business Gateway in search of advice on how to grow his business and recruit local staff members to encourage the local community to visit and support his store. Coming from a diverse ethnic background, Manpreet aspired to encourage the support of diverse businesses and working individuals.

Once approaching Business Gateway, Manpreet was able to access 1:1 support from a dedicated business adviser, who helped him learn about how to grow his social media and online presence. These new skills have aided the exposure and popular interest of his store to the local community and customers.

Manpreet also attended webinars and workshops through the support of Business Gateway. These events enabled him to network with fellow small business owners and learn more about how to improve his current business plan, staff retention and consumer engagement practices. These have benefited the store’s social media content, plans for an app development and even customer loyalty.

Through Business Gateway, Manpreeet was also entered into the North Ayrshire Council funding support for an apprenticeship grant which he has used for recruitment and support for his new apprentice, developing a mobile loyalty card app for his customers.

Manpreet exudes the meaning of community and continues to receive advice on funding and business growth with Business Gateway. Stevenson Post Office has also recently partnered with Beer Hawk in their keg return and recycling system for customers to take part in a more sustainable shopping practice and for the store to retain customer support and loyalty.

Manpreet Bawa, Owner, Stevenston Post Office, said: “Business Gateway has been a fantastic support over the last couple of years. I wouldn’t have been able to transform my business operations without their expert guidance and I can’t thank them enough for all their advice.”