A CONVIENCE store in Cradley is the running to be named the UK's best independent shop.

Nisa Local, Colley Gate, are finalists in the Independent Achievers Academy Better Retailing awards after impressing judges and a mystery shopper.

Stefan Appleby, editor of Retail Express and co-chair of the industry judging panel at Better Retailing Live, said: “We were impressed by Nisa Local in Cradley as they showed how they dedicated time to making sure they get their offer right for their shoppers.

“The brilliant business skills of the men and women in all our shortlist, combined with the evidence we have gathered from their shops, prove that the Independent Achievers Academy’s toolkit of ideas help retailers develop new ways to grow their profits.”

He added: "We have seen significant growth in sales from news and convenience stores and research suggests that customers now prefer to shop locally with people they know."

The winners will be announced at the prestigious IAA gala dinner in London on Wednesday, November 26.