People say communities don’t exist in London - we’ve proved them wrong

Community issues are at the heart of what we do because without the support of local people, our other initiatives wouldn’t succeed. Take the Crouch End Project – an organisation we’ve set up with 35 other independent retailers. The project has an environmental focus, encouraging people to shop within walking distance. But the community - retailers and local people together - is the thing that drives it.

The decisions we’ve taken have had a ripple effect across the community. By sourcing local produce we’re not just offering customers fresh food with low food miles. We’re also supporting other local businesses, which affects employment and the wider economy.

We’re always looking for new ways to support the community – directly or through fundraising.

Unsold food is given to local charities and any food waste is turned into biomethane to generate electricity.

Our ‘Pennies for Plastic’ initiative raised money for three children’s charities by donating 1p every time someone doesn’t use a carrier bag. We’ve raised more than £14,000 and saved 1.4 million bags. People support the campaign because they believe in environmental issues, and they’re keen to support local charities.

It’s the community that make these initiatives successful. If you’re serious about vibrant, sustainable towns and villages, community retailing has to be a priority.

Andrew was named Environmental Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year at the 2008 Retail Industry Awards