Batley's famous Notay's Convenience Store celebrates 50 years in business [Exclusive]

A well-known fixture in Batley, Notay's Convenience Store is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week, marking five decades of Notay family's resilience and perseverance.

The milestone is particularly poignant for owner Surjeet Notay, who has paide tribute to his late grandparents, Santokh Singh and Gian Kaur Notay, whose determination laid the foundations for the family business.

"My late grandparents Santokh Singh and Gian Kaur Notay opened the derelict store in 1976," Surjeet told Asian Trader.

Surjeet Notay

"When we bought it, it was closed down and even the estate agent was glad to get rid of it," he said with a laugh.

Historic photographs chart the remarkable journey—from the original shopfront in the 1970s to today's modern Premier-branded convenience store.

Among them is a stark reminder of the prejudice faced by many pioneering Asian retailers, showing racist graffiti sprayed across the shop's windows during a period when immigrant-owned businesses were frequently targeted.

"It wasn't easy running the store back then with violence and racism rife. But they persevered and showed resilience," Surjeet said.

Santokh Singh and Gian Kaur NotaySurjeet Notay

Despite those challenges, the Notay family remained committed to the community they served.

"What began in 1976 as a small local convenience store has grown into a business that has served generations of customers, supported countless local families and become a lasting part of our community," Surjeet said.

Surjeet Notay

As a third-generation retailer, Surjeet says the shop has always been part of his life.

"I got involved properly at the age of 18 or 19, but like all Indian families with convenience stores, I grew up in it."

Today, Notay Stores stands as a testament to how family-run convenience retailers have evolved alongside the communities they serve.

Over the past five decades, the business has witnessed sweeping changes in consumer shopping habits, technology and regulation while maintaining the personal relationships that define independent retailing.

Harjasminder Singh and Surjeet NotaySurjeet Notay

Reflecting on the anniversary, Surjeet said the business has always measured success by more than commercial performance.

"What began in 1976 as a small local convenience store has grown into a business that has served generations of customers, supported countless local families, and become a lasting part of our community.

"As a family business, we’ve learned that success isn’t measured only in sales or growth.

"It’s measured in trust, relationships, and the loyalty of customers who continue to support you year after year," he stated.

Surjeet said he remains immensely proud of what his grandparents achieved.

Surjeet Notay

"Looking back at five decades of history, I feel immense pride in what my grandparents built through hard work, resilience and dedication.

"To every customer, supplier, colleague, friend and family member who has been part of this journey, thank you.

"Fifty years is an incredible achievement," he added.

Notay Convenience Store's 50th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity.

It is a tribute to a generation of immigrant retailers who overcame prejudice, worked tirelessly to establish family businesses and helped shape Britain's independent convenience sector, leaving behind a legacy that continues to serve communities half a century later.