Southwater Parish Council has bestowed the Freedom of the Parish award upon six outstanding individuals, including a retailer couple, for their exceptional contributions to the community.
In a ceremony held on 20 March, Nirmala (Nim) and Ramesh Shingadia, owners of a village store since 1983 now known as Budgens, were recognised for their 40 years of service, including providing employment opportunities to Southwater residents, various community engagement, and input into the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan.
Ramesh Shingadia, who has been involved in the retail sector for 40 years, currently serves as chair of the board of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The winner of the Asian Trader of the Year award in 2003, he owns and operates, with his family, two stores in Horsham, Sussex.
With academic qualification degrees in Civil Engineering, Masters in Business Administration and a degree in Purchasing and Supply Chain, he also works extensively outside of the retailing sector and has held posts in pharmaceutical companies and non-exec directorships within the local NHS Primary Care Trust.
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