A NEWSAGENT which helped put Tarpots on the map is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

In just 30 years, owners Dipika and Sailesh Mashru have transformed what was once a tiny traditional newsagents into what is now an international business.

Echo:

Milestone - Dipika and Sailesh Mashru are celebrating their hard work and

success in transforming Tarpot News into what it is today

Despite competitors coming and going, Tarpots News, which is based on London Road in Benfleet, has remained strong – so much so they’ve taken things global with its own range of fireworks.

Sailesh, from Benfleet, explained: “We bought the business as well as the newsagents across the road back in 1989, both very small at the time.

“We sold the shop across the road in 1991, and decided to pursue this. We’ve never looked back since.

“We now have our very own range of Tarpots fireworks which we started to import from China about ten years ago. Fireworks are my love.

“I actually went out to China myself to visit the firework factories, and got involved in the selection and branding of them.

“We now do professional displays as well and support a number of churches from the area with their own displays.”

Under the Mashru’s ownership, the building has seen two extensions and coined a loyal customer base from throughout the Benfleet area.

He continued: “We’re now one of the longest running business owners in the Tarpots area, which makes us very proud. Apart from us and the library everything has changed hands.

“It’s been really difficult along the way with lots of competition, but we’ve pushed through.

“I think what’s special about us is our diversity – we sell unusual products which other newsagents don’t typically carry, like fireworks, hardware, candles, stuff like that.

“We’d really like to thank our customers for their support, they’ve kept us going.”

His wife, Dipika, added: “We’ve achieved so much – it’s been hard work but it’s definitely been worth it.

“It’s lovely to be such a big part of the Benfleet community.”

Suraj Mashru, digital manager for the Tarpots News website, has seen first hand how the shop has changed over time.

The 27 year old from Benfleet, said: “We’ve tried to keep as up to date as possible, so created the website so customers can see what we have on offer before they come in.

“In fact, currently we’re the only newsagents on this side of South East Essex that has an all year license to sell fireworks.

“We’ve turned Tarpots into a brand – this year for our 30th anniversary we have around 200 lines of fireworks on offer. We’re celebrating with a bang.”

Jean Hendry worked at Tarpots News for 19 years, up until her retirement.

The 67 year old from Benfleet said: “I was 42 when I started working there, and I loved every minute of it.

“Some days I’d be sorting the cards, or on the till, or working with the gifts- no day was the same.

“I’m proud to have been a part of this legacy.”

Alan and Kate Fitzpatrick have been visiting the shop even before it was taken over by the Mashru’s, having shopped there for 42 years.

Alan, 71, from Benfleet, said: “Our children have worked here- my daughter worked in the shop on Saturday’s and my son did the paper round for the store. All of us have grown with the business

“We’re very proud of Sailesh and Dipika. We’ll be shopping with them for as long as Tarpots News is open.”