Couple step up business efforts to serve Hatton Park community and help charities during coronavirus lockdown

An enterprising couple have stepped up their business efforts to help the Hatton Park community and charities impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sukh Sangha and Parmy Dhillon, who live in Leamington, launched Salt and Pepper’s in Hatton Park last year but have recently increased their offering to meet the demands for food deliveries in the area.

They have also vowed to support good causes which are facing fundraising losses in the coming months.

The business has grown on the back of Hatton Park Village Stores, which Sukh and his family ran for more than 15 years. This soon expanded into outdoor events on the estate – and more recently, the launch of a pizza trailer.

At a time when restaurants and pubs have been forced to close due to the coronavirus - the couple have now stepped up their efforts to serve the local community they say they are indebted to.

Sukh, known locally as Ess said: “Hatton Park is special to me, it is my family. The community has seen me grow up in that shop since I was 18.

"I have been overwhelmed by their support over the years and this is my way of giving back to them.

“Since lockdown it’s been really busy and I want to keep growing the deliveries so we can get to everyone who needs us.

"We wear masks and always have worn gloves anyway as well as ensuring we've maintained a high standard of cleanliness since the start of our business.

"The drivers wear protective gear and deliver to the door, standing two metres away and card-only payments are taken to eliminate contact.

“Our message to our customers is, stay safe. Don’t come to us, we will come to you.”

Salt and Pepper’s is also offering 25 per cent off all orders for care workers, NHS and police staff and are giving 10 per cent of their profits to local charities, which have been impacted by the virus.

First to benefit is Hatton Park based charity Molly Olly’s Wishes, which has forecast of loss of around £50,000 in funds in the coming months.

The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families as well as granting wishes and donating therapeutic toys and books to children and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Ess said: “Molly Olly’s Wishes is a great local charity that does wonderful things for children and, as neighbours of ours, seemed like the perfect place to start with our fundraising.”

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “We are extremely grateful to Ess and team at our local village shop for their support in these extraordinary times.

"We really do appreciate it as the donations will reduce considerably as fundraising events are cancelled but we still need to work to support families.

“We have been granting wishes this week for children who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and for children who’s treatment for their illness is no longer curative.

"Our support can bring children and their families some comfort in dark days and help their mental well-being through their treatment journey and isolation.”

The couple is also pledging to host a celebration party for the community to mark the end of lockdown.

Salt and Pepper’s delivers up to two miles outside Hatton Park on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information go to: www.pizzawarwick.co.uk

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