Nisa-Today’s members are to benefit from the group’s largest ever dividends and surplus payout, following a record performance in which the company achieve turnover in excess of £1.5bn in the last year.

The dividend payment, which totals approximately £500,000 equating to £8 per share, would reward Nisa’s loyal members, said CEO Neil Turton.

He attributed the record sales and volume to the group’s New Era (NETT) and New Era Gold packages, the growth of Nisa symbol stores which now stand at over 800, and the group’s first national television advertising campaign which hit screens at the end of 2010.

“The fact we operate on a low profit margin which is passed back to our membership, demonstrates our unique focus on creating benefits to members rather than to the central business or profits for external shareholders,” he added.

Nisa Local retailer Kishor Patel said the money was arriving at precisely the right time for retailers. "Due to the tough economic conditions the surplus comes at the right time and members may wish to invest in their business through refits, acquititions or pay off loans."