THURROCK Nub News aims to support the local community promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups. We'll be profiling some of these businesses and organisations regularly in a feature called 'Up Close in Thurrock'.

TODAY, we're chatting to Dan Bloomfield, store manager at Co-op's Gardner Avenue store in Corringham.

Dan, 32, took over management of the Co-ops store on Cardner Avenue in Corringham in August last year and has spoken up about the 'awesome' commitment to the local community of the Co-op brand. He says he is thoroughly enjoying being part of the local community.

Before taking over his role, Dan spent the past four years as a colleague at the Co-op, joining the company at its store in Benfleet before moving to the Butney's store in Basildon, where he also undertook a Co-op apprenticeship.

The Co-op offers a range of apprenticeships (check out via our link) giving team members the opportunity to build a career in its unique business.

Dan completed his training and has been rewarded with promotion to take over as manager at the Gardner Avenue store in Corringham. This is a job he says he is thoroughly enjoying given the 'family' atmosphere at the store.

"That's the amazing thing about the Co-op", he said. "I worked in retail for 10 years before joining the Co-op and I can honestly say there is nowhere else like it that I have come across.

"Within the team the colleagues all work together and it really is a family atmosphere. And there is a similar relationship with our members and customers, they appreciate what we do and they too are friends rather than just acquaintances who pop into the shop.

"They call you by your first name – and that's not because you have a name badge on – it's because there is real interaction that turns into friendships. You get to know the customers and they get to know you.

"I have also been back to Butneys and going in there was amazing, so many people stopped me to ask how I was doing, what Corringham was like and how I was enjoying it. It's amazing."

Dan is also impressed by the commitment to local causes and the amount of community work that is part of his role. "I honestly have not come across another company that has the same attitude. It's awesome. Co-op doesn't just talk about community, it empowers its colleagues to make links with our local community. It's a real belief in community and it makes coming in to work here very special.

"I look forward to getting to know the Corringham community even more and to working with our Local Community Fund causes as well."

Co-op membership helps support your local community, with great rewards for you too. When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and the Co-op will give the same to local communities. Join today online or in-store.