One of Oldham’s favourite coffee spots is in line for a prestigious award – and you could be in with a chance of winning as well with £1,500-worth in Oldham Gift Cards up for grabs.

Rhode Island Coffee in Spindles Shopping Centre has been at the heart of Oldham’s community for more than 15 years.

Now, thanks to their winning blend of friendly staff, great coffee and loyal customers, they have been nominated in the national UK’s Favourite Local Business competition, sponsored by Miconex.

Founded by Raj Ruia in 2004, Rhode Island Coffee is a family run, independent chain of coffee shops with 8 locations in the North West; Altrincham, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Crewe, Oldham, Stockport and Warrington.

Raj said the company was a pioneer of quality coffee and café culture: “Our Oldham coffee shop is at the centre of the community and has been for 15 years. We’re located right at the entrance to The Spindles Shopping Centre, a central meeting point for friends, and a place for people looking for a bit of me-time. People can lead busy and difficult lives and time out for themselves is vital to their wellbeing.”

Rhode Island Coffee is part of the newly introduced Oldham Gift Card, introduced by Oldham Council to lock spend into the community and support ‘shop local’.

Raj said the gift card taps into consumer desire to support local businesses:“There is a real sense of community in Oldham that you sometimes don’t see in other towns or cities and it has a strong commercial offer. It also benefits from lots of office workers which has a positive impact on footfall. Consumers like to support local businesses now, and we’re part of the Oldham Gift Card because it’s a community initiative that enables people to experience a variety of local businesses.

“We’re proud and delighted to be nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business which is testament to our incredibly loyal customers.”