Throughout Walsh Newsagents’ 20 years of business, it has taken on an integral role in the community, offering a variety of household & convenience goods, newspapers, magazines, cigarettes, alcohol, alongside providing services including a Cash Machine and National Lottery services. Located at the heart of this small village, surrounded by residential properties, this store has gained a loyal and familiar following and has seen the benefits from high volumes of footfall and trade throughout the years.

New occupier and first-time buyer, Kalavatiben Prajapati, is a highly experienced retail professional, having been in the industry for the past eight years and most recently has been managing a convenience store. Ms Prajapti has now decided to embark on her own entrepreneurial venture with the support of her husband, Rameshbhai Prajapati, who also has extensive experience with an 11-year career in retail environments; previously working at the Post Office and currently working for M&S. Mr Prajapti will be on hand to help manage the store with Kalavatiben, combining their 19-years’ experience and expertise. The leasehold also includes a two-bedroom apartment above the shop, which the Prajapti’s intend to utilise as their family home.

The funding for the proposed refurbishments is being secured by the Unsecured Loans and Asset Finance team of Christie Finance, which will be used to renovate and re-market the store, driving business and improving trade. Furthermore, the couple have also used Christie Insurance to help with their new undertaking, further benefitting from the services offered by the Christie Network. There are also hopes to use Christie & Co in the future with plans to continue to acquire and expand with other retail opportunities.

Kalavatiben comments, “Emma Vanson is an excellent member of Christie Finance, who has a caring knowledge of her role. Emma knows how to resolve any problems while always keeping me up to date with my commercial mortgage. I can't fault the excellent service Emma provided, we will forever be grateful and have already started working on our next purchase”.

Emma Vanson, Finance Consultant of Christie Finance comments “It was a pleasure to work with Kalavatiben and husband Rameshbhai, in securing the finance required to purchase Kala's first retail store. Kala has the expertise and experience to see the business thrive and I wish her the best of luck at J Walsh Newsagents, and I can’t wait to continue to support them”.