16 May 2008


Print	Email

Local shops win recognition at last


Independent

Related stories

Tories pledge to help independent retailers
17 Apr 2008

Cameron to champion food co-ops to counter supermarkets
18 Feb 2008

David Cameron's recent speech puts small shops on the agenda, says Ken Parsons, chief executive of the Rural Shops Alliance.

At last, a senior politician recognising the real value of smaller local organisations to wider society.

At last, Margaret Thatcher's infamous "there is no such thing as society" speech is finally consigned to history; this speech is the Conservative Party embracing the idea of society with both hands.

The fact that Mr Cameron has done it in a thoughtful and considered way, that might actually lead to some policy changes, is an added bonus.

Here at the Rural Shops Alliance we very much welcome the Conservatives’ recognition that local shops play such an important part in communities.

We are not looking for special treatment, just recognition of their true value to society, a system that tips the balance back to help them survive rather than one that assumes bigger is always better. This announcement seems to offer just that.

We are particularly pleased that Mr Cameron has recognised the current over-regulation that is stifling small businesses.

A few months ago we tried to summarise all the laws and regulations that could apply to small food shops but we gave up - there were just too many to make the task practical.

The RSA's message for years has been that small shops matter for far more than their turnover.

This view is now firmly on the agenda in mainstream politics and we look forward to the day when ideas such as these are translated into action, by whichever party.

Email this to a friend



Mark Hunt	21 May 2008 12:20:52
I head-up BT's retail consulting team - please put me in touch with Ken Parsons as I am sure we can help with some of the industry inititiaive we are researching and exploring