Latest news from Welcome

Supplier Spotlight: Powder Monkey Brewery

Posted on by Adam Page

If you’ve sampled our very own Welcome brew – the “Co-Hop Welcome Back” hazy pale ale, then the chances are you’ve come across our latest Supplier Spotlight already!

Set up in the wake of the pandemic on May 17th 2021, Powder Monkey Brewery has quickly “hopped” up the favourites list among our local customers – and we can see why.

Hear about all things craft, collaboration and – pigs! – from our chat with the gang. Cheers!

All in the name

We had to ask, where did the name Powder Monkey come from? It turns out, the Brewery’s co-founder, Andy Burdon, discovered the building where the brewery now operates back in 2019. Previously it was an historic naval gunpowder store in Priddy’s Hard, Gosport.

Despite the store being dark, derelict and empty for more than 50 years, Andy’s vision was bright and he wanted to create a brand that kept the building’s history alive. The name Powder Monkey was born – a name that relates to the boys who would have carried gunpowder to the guns on board ships.

Brewing success

Andy then recruited Mark Hamblin as Head Brewer, and together, they spent many hours developing the working side of the brewery and its equipment, until its first beers were brewed in 2021.

Since opening the brewery, Powder Monkey has doubled its capacity thanks to investment in more tanks for its craft beers. Today, it works as a production facility, but visitors can also make use of the new visitor’s centre, shop and tasting bar.

What was their secret to early success? Marcus Hunt from the sales team said: “The brewing world is quite collaborative, which means we can work together and share ideas through a mutual passion to make the best beers people can buy.”

Far from all at sea

It is this working together attitude that Powder Monkey also sees as ways of navigating (if you’ll pardon the nautical pun!) any rough waters (sorry!).

Marcus continues: “Of course there are challenges, like there are in any business. But, the great thing about collaborating is that you can identify problems as they come along and tackle them head-on. Usually someone else out there has dealt with a similar situation – or they warn you that something might become an issue.

“We learn as we grow, take advice from others, adapt and overcome!”

Nautical themes

The name itself is a great way of keeping the brewery’s building alive – but so too are the goods within.

“We’ve recently launched a new Pilsner called Bravo Zulu” Marcus said. “It’s an old naval term someone would say, which means ‘well done’.

“There’s also the Drunken Sailor and, our best-selling beer, Drop Anchor. That’s a great one for someone who’s just getting into craft beer and taking their first sips!”

A Welcome addition

Welcome stores sell plenty of local products to our customers so that they can sample the delights of what’s on offer right on their local doorstep. We also understand that by supporting local businesses, it brings growth to the economy and supports jobs.

Not only do we see the economic benefits of supporting local, Welcome stores see it as “doing our bit” towards reducing our carbon footprint too!

“It’s great to see Welcome stores onboard with supporting local suppliers” Marcus added. “There’s always a friendly face when we deliver and it’s great how Welcome supports not just us but so many great, local suppliers!”

Welcome stores in turn like how committed Powder Monkey is to the local community – something that is well-aligned with ourselves.

“We love being out and about in the community at different events, meeting people who may not have heard of us or tried our beers, telling our story and sharing our passion for craft beer!” Marcus added.

And, just as aligned with Welcome stores’ commitment to reducing food waste, nothing is wasted when it comes to the brewing process – as the spent grain is picked up by a local farmer who feeds it to his pigs!

So what’s next for Powder Monkey?

“Apart from the Drunken Sailor, which contains lactose,  all our beers that we make are Vegan friendly” says Marcus. “However, we’d really like to expand our Gluten-free range and there are a couple of beers being trialled soon – so watch this space!”

Check out the range of craft beers on offer from Powder Monkey brewery at your local Welcome store.

For more information, head to powdermonkeybrewing.com

Our summer giveaway has landed!

Posted on by Adam Page

Fancy a chance of winning £50 to spend at your local Welcome store? Keep an eye out for our social competition which launches today!

Head to our Facebook page where you will see our Summer Giveaway post and more details about how you can enter.

We just want to know why you love your local Welcome store, as much as we love serving our customers and being part of the local community.

Why not tell us about your favourite team member? Was someone particularly helpful to you or go above and beyond? Perhaps you love one of our locally-stocked products, and look forward to an after-work treat or your go-to meal of the day.

Pop a comment under the post and give us a follow and you could win £50 to spend with us. Don’t forget to add or tag your local store so that we know which store’s your favourite!

A few T&Cs apply, such as:

  • Over 18s only
  • Entries will only be accepted on comments posted between 00:01 on 1st August 2023 until 23:59 on 31st August 2023
  • No purchase necessary
  • All criteria must be met in order to qualify for the draw – i.e. must Like and Follow the Welcome Stores Facebook page and add a comment underneath the Summer Giveaway post
  • Only one entry per person on Facebook only
  • Maximum 1 prize offered of £50 in the form of store credit or gift card, redeemable only at Welcome’s Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Denvilles, Fair Oak, Marchwood and Stubbington stores
  • Prize is not transferrable and cannot be exchanged for a cash equivalent and cannot be redeemed against tobacco products
  • Employees of Welcome Stores and Southern Co-Op are excluded from entry
  • The winner agrees for their information to be stored and used by Welcome Stores and Southern Co-Op and they agree for their image to be used for publicity purposes

Winners will be chosen at random using a name generator after the closing date. The winning name will be announced w/c 4th September 2023.

GOOD LUCK!!

Supplier Spotlight: Beaulieu Chocolate Studio turns 17!

Posted on by Adam Page

In the latest installment of our “Supplier Spotlight” series, we caught up with Beaulieu Chocolate Studio as they celebrate 17 years in the business – and how they stop their chocolate from melting in the summer heat!

Sweet dreams!

Beaulieu Chocolate Studio opened in July 2006 after founder, Trevor Smith, opened the chocolate shop in the old village patisserie on the Beaulieu estate.

Hand-made chocolates have been a part of the village since the early 1980s but Trevor had dreams of creating artisan and luxury chocolate ranges.

Today, the studio makes a range of over 30 filled chocolates, with new flavours added all the time, and a wide range of original chocolate bars and gifts.

Trevor says: “From the smallest pocket-money chocolate rabbit to the most luxurious chocolate box gift, every chocolate wish is fulfilled.”

Trevor Smith proudly displays his handmade chocolates

Watch the chocolate-making action!

It is the long heritage of chocolate-making in Beaulieu that prompted Trevor to divide his shop into two. One half is the workshop at the back where the chocolates are made and in the front half is the shop where they are displayed and sold.

His vision was to make an original range of hand-made chocolates on the premises and in view of the public, who can watch and enjoy the chocolate-making process as it happens.

French inspiration

Trevor is from the New Forest, but he lived in France for 8 years, where he trained as a baker and chocolatier – and that is where his ideas for the chocolate shop originated.

“Over there, it is not unusual to see various artisan chocolate shops and workshop-style cafes where people can enjoy sampling local chocolates on offer – and see how it’s made” Trevor said. “It’s all part of the experience – and that was something I wanted to bring home to the New Forest!”

A Welcome addition

The Chocolate Studio produces everything by hand using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced wherever possible – and it is that shared ethos that makes Trevor’s chocolates a “Welcome” addition to our stores.

Welcome stores sell plenty of local products to our customers so that they can sample the delights of what’s on offer right on their local doorstep. We also understand that by supporting local businesses, it brings growth to the economy and supports jobs.

Not only do we see the economic benefits of supporting local, Welcome stores sees it as “doing our bit” towards reducing our carbon footprint too!

“It’s great to see Welcome stores onboard with supporting local suppliers” Trevor added. “It means that customers living further afield than our shop in other towns and villages can still enjoy our hand-crafted chocolates – but they are all made in our shop.

“Our best sellers are New Forest Bark, a speciality resembling tree bark with dark chocolate and almonds, Milk Honeycomb bars and Caramel and sea salt bars – they always seem to fly out of the shop!”

Keeping cool

As the summer months are now upon us, what is Trevor’s secret to making sure chocolates are only melting in the mouths of customers – and not spoiling beforehand?

“Hot summers can be a challenge” he says “but air conditioning has come to our rescue many times – and it’s the only way we can make sure everything stays at the right temperature!”

Welcome stores is pleased to stock Beaulieu chocolate fresh from the studio, but you can also pay them a visit at 1 High Street in Beaulieu 7 days a week from 9-5.

For more information head to beaulieuchocolatestudio.co.uk

Supplier Spotlight: New Forest Tea Company

Posted on by Adam Page

We got “the tea” from one of our local suppliers which launched in lockdown and continues to “pour out” success.

Sorry, we’ll stop with the tea puns!

We caught up with Lyndhurst-based New Forest Tea Company to talk about what it was like starting a business during a pandemic and their secret to success.

Put the kettle on!

New Forest Tea Company started in 2021 during lockdown, but the owners Ian and Kelly ran two successful tea lounges in Lyndhurst for 10 years. They also work alongside their faithful pet dog Gracie who has the very important title of Head of Tails and Barketing!

“We had a clear plan of what we wanted to achieve from the start” Ian said. “although we have maintained our core approach we have evolved to add new elements to the business such as our travelling tea chest.”

Gracie oversees all tails and barketing!

Those living locally to the New Forest may well have seen the tea chest at several fairs and festivals – and that means Ian and Kelly can bring great tasting tea, wherever you may be!

And, it’s not just getting outdoors the New Forest Tea-m love to do, but they love to play their part in keeping all that air fresh too. The company is extremely aware of its environmental footprint – one of many reasons why they make such great suppliers to Welcome stores.

“Our main focus in addition to quality products is to make sure we “Leave no Trace”” Ian explains. “With this in mind all our tea pyramids are made from plant based material, are plastic free, compostable and are pressure sealed thus ensuring a minimal environmental impact.

“Plus, the outer packaging is also home compostable once the labels are removed. All our teas are ethically sourced and we pride ourselves on the fact that our tea pyramids contain the same quality tea as our loose leaf collection offers. As a family run, New Forest business we also offer high quality customer service along with free local delivery.”

For a company that started up during the 2021 lockdown, the New Forest Tea company has gone from strength to strength – and secured its first accolade at the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.

Ian said: “We were delighted to be voted as Best New Business after just 6 months of trading. We also came second at the Local Producer area in the New Forest Show with our tea chest.”

On working with Welcome stores, Ian added: “We have also been delighted to be stocked and served by numerous New Forest businesses and beyond. The support that Welcome shows for local businesses should be a model for all local supermarkets as it allows customers to see that local suppliers do it best!”

The New Forest Tea Company has kindly offered Welcome stores customers a discount on online orders – simply head to newforestteacompany.com/shop and when you get to the checkout enter welcome10 as a promo code.

Keep an eye out for the new 12th blend going live in September – we’ll certainly be enjoying a cup or two!

Supplier spotlight: New Forest Fruit Company

Posted on by Adam Page

It’s June! And the time is “ripe” for soft fruits. In our latest supplier spotlight, we spoke to East Boldre’s New Forest Fruit about sustainability pledges, technology-firsts to introduce new ways of farming using traditional methods, and even robot pickers.

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful New Forest National Park, there is a special kind of fruit farm, aptly called New Forest Fruit. The farm is situated over three sites which span eighty hectares.

CEO Sandy Booth

New Forest Fruit is now in its thirteenth year of trading

The main crop is strawberries, which are sold to leading supermarkets, local farm shops, restaurants and greengrocers. A small amount of raspberries and blueberries are also grown, but these are only sold locally. The company is led by owner Sandy Booth who has been involved with NFF since 2008, fully taking over as CEO in 2018. Sandy’s team consists of several close-knit departments that cover every aspect of the business and give the company the feel of being family-run.

Like many businesses, the New Forest Fruit farm is embracing technology

It became the first company in the UK to be involved in trials of traceability technology – a process that allows businesses to track food at every single stage of the production process. They also use robots used to apply a UV treatment for mildew at night. Not only is technology being used to improve and enhance the soft fruit but it’s also helped address other areas of the business too.

New Forest Fruit is trialling robot pickers!

It means the fruit can be picked at the perfect time, and the business isn’t hindered by labour shortages – something else that affects so many fruit farms like theirs. Being a home-grown British fruit farm, the team at New Forest Fruit takes its eco-friendly pledge very seriously. The company recently produced a sustainability report to highlight all the measures implemented to support this.

The environment is at the heart of all the decisions made

Some of these measures include a management system for all the hedgerows on the farm so that wildlife corridors are maintained and can provide shelter. This includes laying 240m of hedgerow this year. There are also bat and bird boxes around the farm. This season there have been 3000 apple trees planted to promote the biosphere in and around the farm. Three on-site reservoirs to ensure it uses its water supply, which limits the amount that’s taken from the rivers. Plus, rain gutters on the strawberry tunnels feed directly back to the reservoir. The farm uses Integrated Farm Management, which is marrying traditional techniques of farming with the latest innovations and enabling a whole farm approach.

Plus a brand new product has been launched this month that uses any second-class fruit which is turned into a delicious ‘pulsed’ dried strawberry snack! Pulsed dried is special as these berries will rehydrate when added to a glass of champagne, sparkling wine or gin & tonic. They also come in compostable packaging.

Photo credit: Monika Grabkowska

These are available to buy in Welcome Brockenhurst and more information is available at newforestfruitsnacks.com

If that wasn’t enough, the farm has also invested in three electric vehicles and two electric forklifts. Some on-site solar panels provide electricity to the Packshed and they recycle and reuse everything they can – all the coir from the strawberry crops is reused for the early-season asparagus.

What is the best thing about working with Welcome Stores?

“Welcome genuinely champions other local businesses and has created little hubs across the forest for people to access local produce. Also, their business values regarding sustainability and the environment align with the values held at NFF. Both businesses want to protect the environment.”

You can find New Forest Fruit’s juicy, perfectly ripe sweet-scented strawberries & also the brand new Pulsed Strawberry snacks on sale at your local Welcome store. You can also learn more about New Forest Fruit on newforestfruit.com or newforestfruitsnacks.com.    

Do you want to make a difference?

Posted on by Adam Page

The summer is here and for many it’s a time for change. Plenty of us go on holiday and dread that back-to-work feeling. Others are looking to reduce their hours to spend more time doing what they love, or even increase them as our circumstances change.

Does this sound like you?

If so, we might have just the opportunity! Serving our community is at the heart of what we do and as a convenience store, you will get to know all the locals living in your area. You never know, you might make a friend or two, or find out about a new local activity you never knew about before!

Working at Welcome is extremely rewarding.

As well as playing your part in a team that keeps busy stores thriving, our six shops are now part of the Southern Co-op – a long-established brand that dates back to December 1872.

Back then, 30 people attended a public meeting and unanimously agreed to pay one shilling to establish a local Co-operative. Back then, the Co-Operative Society was formed by dockyard workers to tackle exploitation and inequality, and 5 months later, the Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society’s first shop opened in Charles Street on 9 May 1873.

There was recently a special edition of the Portsmouth News, which included a pull-out section on Southern CoOp’s beginnings as part of its 150th birthday in May – you can read it here.

Since then, there’s been loads of changes – but some things stay the same

Our shops look a little different now compared to 150 years ago, and thankfully we’ve moved away from the exploitation of workers in this country from centuries ago.

But we still exist to make a difference and you can see from our sustainability pledge how we plan to tackle climate change by introducing Zero Waste stores and using local suppliers, which in turn reduces our carbon footprint and supports some of our great local businesses – and the economy too!

Even though we are no longer funded by dockyard workers, we are still very much owned by our members to this day – and that’s why being part of our local community is so important. As one of our colleagues, you can make a difference to that community today, while also being part of yesterday’s legacy.

You will be rewarded with competitive pay and staff discounts in both Welcome and Southern Co-Operative stores. What’s more, you’ll get access to a portal that will give you even more discounts and cashback when shopping at other retailers, including travel and leisure, home, DIY, sports, restaurants and cafes – and more!

Hear what a colleague has to say!

“I love working at Welcome stores. Not only do you meet so many interesting people from around the community, no two days are the same. The helpful, friendly teams working in the stores make them feel like community hubs. There is always a customer in the store who you recognise and they treat us like thier own extended friendship network, telling us about their day as well as other things going on in their lives. I also like the way Welcome stores give back to the community with sponsorships and charity initiatives. It really is a great, fullfilling and wholesome place to work.“

Becky – Marchwood store

Where do I sign?

We’d absolutely love to hear from you and if you’d like to work with us, simply pop into your local Welcome store with a copy of your CV and covering letter or apply online. You can view all of our current vacancies, along with more details of hours, pay, benefits and locations on our jobs page here.

We look forward to welcoming you, to the Welcome family!