MRH Retail, number one in our Top 50 Indies list, has opened a Spar store on its BP site in Nettlebed, Surrey.

The site underwent a major redevelopment with the old kiosk knocked down and replaced by a 1,300sq ft store complete with off licence, fresh and chilled, food-to-go and an extensive grocery range.

Andy Morgan, business development manager at Spar wholesaler Capper & Co, said the new range would meet the needs of both transient and neighbourhood shoppers.

"The range for this shop is far more extensive than was previously here because of the additional space available. It also has a new range of chilled wines and beers because of the additional refrigeration."

The site is run by husband and wife team Vimal and Thiru Navarartnam. Vimal said he was confident that, as a result of the changes, shop sales would grow.

Nettlebed brings the total number of MRH Retail sites supplied by Capper & Co to 18.

Meanwhile in Worcestershire, retailer Polly Marsh was swept off her feet when members of the Worcester Warriors rugby team opened her new-look Spar store.

A £45,000 refurbishment has helped create a brighter store with an extended range of fruit and vegetables, ready meals, beers and wines.

The BP site is on the busy A38 and serves Kempsey, St Peter’s and Norton.