Balraj Singh Attwal knows his customers by name, remembers their stories, makes time for conversation and goes out of his way to help make a difference to their lives.

He has been running Lichfield Trent Valley Post Office for the past 14 years and has become known for prioritising people over profit.

He often goes beyond normal service expectations, whether that is taking extra time to help with forms, ensuring customers fully understand transactions or simply offering reassurance and kindness when someone is having a difficult day.

He goes the extra mile to ensure older customers feel safe, respected and supported. He has taken the initiative to check in on regular customers when they have not appeared as expected, recognising when something may be wrong. This has included contacting family members when concerns arise, actions taken not out of obligation but out of genuine care for people’s wellbeing.

He has made his post office a place where people feel comfortable opening up. For many, this interaction may be one of the few meaningful social connections in their day.

Balraj, known as Baj, has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by one of his regular customers.

She said: “Despite the pressures of running a business, Baj consistently prioritises people over profit. The Post Office is run with open arms, ensuring everyone feels welcome regardless of age, background or circumstance.

“Importantly, Baj’s approach embodies the very best of corporate social responsibility at a grassroots level. By fostering social connection, safeguarding vulnerable members of the community and providing a reliable, ethical service rooted in trust, Baj strengthens not just individual lives but the social fabric of the area as a whole.

“The Post Office serves as a community hub a place of safety, support and respect largely because of Baj’s values and personal leadership.

“Over the last 14 years, Baj has shown extraordinary dedication, consistency and integrity. The actions may often go unseen, but their impact is deeply felt. Customers do not just rely on Baj for services they rely on Baj as a source of stability, kindness and community care.

“Baj is richly deserving of recognition for outstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility and for the meaningful, lasting difference they continue to make every single day.”