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After 20 years working as a store manager for the country’s biggest grocery retailers, David Beese took on his own store – and found out when the buck stops with you, things are a little different

David Beese in his Southam store

On arriving at David Beese’s Budgens store in Southam, Warwickshire, I am escorted upstairs and given a glass of Champagne. This is not usual practice but today Beese has been celebrating. Not just because he has finally realised his dream of owning his own store, but because for the first time ever during a non-Christmas period, the 6,000sq ft Budgens store has taken over £100,000. That may be loose change compared to the money that poured into the Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores he oversaw during his career as a store manager, but as he points out: “It’s very different when it’s your own money.

“When I worked in a supermarket, doing £1m a week didn’t mean as much to me as taking this £100,000. That’s because it is my store. I have responsibility for the people that work here, my own family and ultimately the bank. So the pressures you have running your own store are verydifferent to that of managing asupermarket.”

However, Beese seems to thrive on the pressure, and enjoys all aspects of running his store. So much so, that he intends on opening more stores in the next couple of years.

Insider info

The Londis store in Southam was one of Budgen’s flagship stores. When Beese read that Budgens wanted to sell off its corporately-owned stores, he approached them straight away. It took about two years, but Beese took over the Southam premises in May. However, he had been manager designate of the store since September last year. “I asked them, “why don’t I come and work for you to find out what Budgens was about?” They thought it was a good idea and it gave me an opportunity to see how Budgens worked.”

Beese is aware of the challenges facing independent retailers in the current market. With multiples setting the standard for service in the industry, many independents have found joining a symbol group a way to have strong business support with the knowledge that your store is just that – your store. Beese’s background meant he was ideally suited to take on a store of his own and the retailing knowledge he gained from working in large supermarkets ensures his store retains high standards, comparable to that of the major multiples. His aim is simple – to give customers the best service possible and he has embraced all the opportunities working with a group like Budgens has afforded him.

The best in fresh

Budgens, part of the Musgrave Budgens Londis Group, was named Best Fresh and Chilled Convenience retailer in Checkout’s 2006 Convenience Awards (see 'First in Fresh' below). Budgens’ commitment to local sourcing and the fresh side of its business is mirrored by Beese. “Fresh foods are our strength. It is a huge area of interest to me and something I’d like to take forward,” he says.

“I have already spoken to local butchers and looked at a few local farm shops and I have spoken to customers to see what they’d like to buy.” The biggest challenge in taking fresh forward is time, says Beese. “The problem is that because the store is so large I haven’t got time to source products.”

Despite the lack of time, Beese is committed to supporting local producers where he can. He stocks a wide range of cakes, Julie’s Cakes, from a local baker and has introduced fresh flowers from a local florist, which is worth £800 a week and growing.

The challenge for Beese is trying to pick the right local supplier. “The main thing is to make sure whatever is introduced doesn’t demean the brand,” he says. “This is a multi-faceted store. We have over 12,000 lines and people are quite surprised by how deep the range is. Customers come in to do a full week’s shop.”

But it is on the shop floor where Beese shines. Developing a strong relationship with his customers and staff is top priority for the retailer and it is here he uses the skills he honed from years working in the multiples. “I enjoy working with lots of people and dealing with large amounts of customers. You have to be very organised and communicate to your team and be prepared to listen to their views,” he says.

Beese left his successful career as a store manager to go it alone and is determined to make a success of it. “This is something I wish I’d done many years ago. I’m still only two and a half months months into running the store and I am enjoying every moment.”

First in fresh

Budgens sealed its reputation as a first class fresh retailer with a win at the 2006 Checkout Convenience Awards. The symbol group took home the title of Best Fresh and Chilled Convenience Retailer, sponsored by Unilever. The judges at the awards described Budgens as "clear and passionate about what it is doing in providing high quality fresh food for its customers". Budgens has forged strong relationships with local suppliers. A good example is Oxfordshire-based butcher, Newitts, which Beese stocks in his store and sells very well. Budgens has worked with suppliers to develop exciting and exclusive ranges that give its shoppers real differentiation in several key categories. This hard work is supported by links such as the Red Tractor scheme and good marketing both in and out of stores.

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