A COUPLE who put their own customer service stamp on their business in Tenby are hoping to bag a top award.

Vince and Fiona Malone moved from St Albans to take on Tenby Stores & Post Office six years ago.

Free deliveries of drinks, snacks and groceries to visitors on the town's beaches or their holiday accommodation - as well as to regular customers - and helping to outlaw single-use plastics are just two of the initiatives that have helped Vince and Fiona boost the appeal of the business.

It has now reached the finals of the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) awards in two categories - marketing to customers and staff development.

The Post Office has been involved with the IAA since 2013. The academy is a business development programme which enables motivated retailers to grow their sales and profits by following expert advice, including Post Office guidance on great customer service.

Said Fiona: "We've worked hard to do our bit to help our customers and the environment, selling water, juice and milk in glass bottles and coffee in compostable cups.

"We make sure we share news about our deals, special offers and Post Office products and services face-to-face, through leaflets and social media posts and we keep a look out for our vulnerable customers as well."

A free marketing course run by the Welsh Government in Swansea helped develop Vince's marketing plan, and he and Fiona - who formerly worked in Human Resources - also place great emphasis on staff development and welfare, taking on board ideas and requests from their eight full-time and part-time staff

The awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on November 22.