With the Cross Party Group raising awareness of the local retailing sector at the Scottish Parliament, SLR visited the the corridors of power at Holyrood to ask MSPs about their thoughts on the state of the sector.
Jackson Carlaw: Conservative MSP for Eastwood in Renfrewshire
“I think people are probably not aware just how widespread the various local convenience store networks are, the way the sector works together, the number of people it employs and the actual value that it represents to the Scottish economy. The value it actually does bring to the local community. There is power in working together to achieve objectives, particularly when policy options start to impact on local convenience stores. Whether it’s the imposition of alcohol or tobacco legislation, or now food obesity legislation, it’s important that there is a unified front.”
Alex Cole-Hamilton: Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Western
“The sector is facing some challenges at the moment.The big supermarkets are not doing what they should be doing. It’s hard to imagine anyone would be able to replicate that local service in terms of being available for much more than that ‘ran out of milk’ situation. It’s the service aspects that the convenience sector is prepared to take on, that doesn’t actually make it money, that sets the sector apart. Put that together with the burdens that fall on small businesses, and are all cumulative, and the sector really has to be commended.”
Jeremy Balfour: Conservative MSP for the Lothian region
“There were two questions answered for me at the recent exhibition in the Parliament building. Firstly, it was the value to business owners of being part of an organisation like the Scottish Grocers Federation. It gives independent and family-owned businesses a voice. Secondly, as I’m also a local councillor and sit on the licensing forum, I know that the retailers who work with their local council are those that get their issues heard and discussed most closely, and have the best insight into the importance of issues like planning, employment legislation and health and safety.”
Bob Doris: SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, in Glasgow
“Speaking with the President and the chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, and reading the findings of the Local Shop Report, reinforced for me the importance of local retailers and grocers, particularly in the urban community I represent, where they’re under significant pressure, particularly from large supermarkets. They’re vibrant and quite often they’re serving a community that’s not as mobile as others who would use the multiple stores. There is no doubt that local retailers serve the community well.”
