1 in 20 million- story 9
Today’s 1 in 20 Million story celebrates Anthony Furnell of NP Group, winner of the Making a Difference Award at this year’s Co-op Wholesale Showcase.
Anthony’s achievement also reflects the culture created by NP Group’s Neil Patel. Since joining Nisa, Neil’s hard work, commitment and hands-on leadership have been instrumental in the success of the business. He has made community support a central part of NP Group’s values, empowering Anthony and the wider team to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting difference in the areas their stores serve.
Anthony’s support for local communities comes from the heart. For each of NP Group’s six stores, he selects four or five local causes and supports them through every funding route available from Co-op Own Brand funding and clothing-bank proceeds to the Heart of the Community Awards and the Pride Pot.
So far, NP Group has donated more than £40,000 to local organisations, including food banks, youth football teams, heritage centres, disability support groups, Pride organisations, libraries, community cafés and recovery hubs. Its impact stretches across Lancashire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, reaching dozens of groups doing fantastic work in their communities.
This remarkable contribution would not be possible without Neil’s leadership and determination, in which his vision has helped establish a business in which community involvement is championed, while his continued support enables Anthony and the team to turn that commitment into practical, positive action.
One of the organisations NP Group supports is the Number 1 Community Café in Darwen, where Anthony and the MADL team visited last week.
The café is run by Joanne, a woman whose determination and warmth shape everything that happens within its walls. Born with a disability herself, Joanne is driven by a simple belief: “You can fulfil your dreams—don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t.”
She works tirelessly to break down barriers for young people with disabilities. What began with her joining an employers’ forum to learn more led to her becoming an Employer Ambassador. She now helps young people develop employment skills and speaks directly with local employers to understand—and overcome—the barriers preventing them from hiring disabled young people.
Inside the café, Joanne’s mission is brought to life. On the top floor, a recovery group meets in a safe, private space. Downstairs, people gather for breakfast, connection, conversation and comfort.
The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and dignified, supported by a simple Random Acts of Kindness scheme. Those who can afford to do so pay for a breakfast in advance, allowing anyone who needs one to enjoy a hearty meal with no questions asked.
During the visit, Anthony was able to share some wonderful news with Joanne: NP Group is donating £2,000 to help the café create a training kitchen. The new facility will give young people with learning disabilities the opportunity to gain practical skills, build confidence and take important steps towards employment.
Needless to say, Joanne and her team were overwhelmed, and the visit ended with emotional hugs as the team said goodbye.
What makes Anthony’s community work stand out is the way he builds genuine relationships with every group he supports. His connection with Joanne was clear, and he has made the same effort to get to know each organisation personally.
Anthony’s dedication, combined with Neil Patel’s leadership, hard work and unwavering commitment to both the business and its communities, demonstrates the strength of NP Group’s approach. Together, they show what can be achieved when community support is embedded in the heart of a business.
Stories like Anthony’s and the leadership that makes them possible show exactly what our 1 in 20 Million campaign is all about: retailers who lift others up, champion local people and help communities thrive.
