Chiragkumar and Bhavik Patel, uncle and nephew, opened Premier Andover earlier this year with the aim of providing a friendly, reliable local shop for the town centre. The store offers a wide range of everyday essentials and has become a regular spot for residents, local workers, and students from Andover College.
The premises have been refurbished to a high standard, featuring a clean, bright, and spacious layout. Chiragkumar and Bhavik work in the shop alongside their staff, with plans to create more local jobs as the business expands.
“"We are really grateful to Test Valley Borough Council for this grant. Andover has given us a wonderful welcome, and customers often take the time to stop and have a chat. That’s exactly what we wanted when we opened. We want Premier Andover to be more than just a shop. We want it to be a part of the community that people can rely on, and we’re looking forward to getting more involved in local life and supporting the town for many years to come."
St Mary’s ward councillor Iris Andersen expressed her delight, stating: “It is fantastic to see new businesses such as Premier Andover putting down roots in our town centres. I am delighted that the Business Incentive Grant is helping Chiragkumar and Bhavik develop their business and I wish them every success for the future.”
Test Valley Borough Council offers various initiatives and grants to support local businesses. The Business Incentive Grant assists new businesses in Test Valley to achieve their objectives and contribute to the local economy. Businesses must apply within eight weeks of starting trade and receive funding after a minimum of six months of operation.
