MP Talks Shop in Stalham
10 Jan 2007
Local retailer Nigel Dowdney, who runs an independent convenience store in Stalham high street, has hosted a visit from local MP Norman Lamb. The meeting was organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and was an opportunity for Mr Lamb to show his support for local independent traders in Norfolk.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS, who represent over 32,000 local shops throughout the UK, to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
Mr Dowdney is joint founder of Norfolk’s successful ‘Localise It’ campaign, in partnership with several other organisations in order to try and further the important message of Local Business, Local Profit and Local Economy. The campaign was set up in opposition to a Tesco superstore, which opened on a greenfield site near to the high street, dramatically affecting local shops sales, and because of increasing concerns over the damaging effect that multiple chains are having on independent businesses.
At the meeting Mr Lamb heard about the vital role that local stores play in the community and the detrimental effect on local business that supermarkets create.
Nigel Dowdney said: “I am delighted that Mr Lamb was able to come to my store. It was important to make sure he understood not only what we provide the community, but how important it is that the Government makes sure that businesses like ours can be around for many years to come.
“Since the Tesco superstore opened, many local businesses have closed down. It is crucial to the community that we have a thriving high street, and the store visit was an ideal opportunity to discuss these issues with Mr Lamb.”
Norman Lamb MP said, “I am always pleased to visit retailers in my constituency. It was interesting to listen to Mr Dowdney’s experiences of supermarket competition in Stalham and what he has done to overcome that threat. Independent traders are an important feature of our community and deserve the support of the Government and the neighbourhoods they serve.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said “Mr Dowdney’s store is a prime example of how local shops are vital to the local community. Mr Dowdney is a passionate campaigner on behalf of local business in Stalham and shows the value of local campaigning.
“By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. We would encourage all convenience stores to follow Mr Dowdney’s lead, and to invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Norman Lamb is a Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk.
4. The visit took place at the Stalham Shopper store on Stalham High Street on 5 January.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS, who represent over 32,000 local shops throughout the UK, to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
Mr Dowdney is joint founder of Norfolk’s successful ‘Localise It’ campaign, in partnership with several other organisations in order to try and further the important message of Local Business, Local Profit and Local Economy. The campaign was set up in opposition to a Tesco superstore, which opened on a greenfield site near to the high street, dramatically affecting local shops sales, and because of increasing concerns over the damaging effect that multiple chains are having on independent businesses.
At the meeting Mr Lamb heard about the vital role that local stores play in the community and the detrimental effect on local business that supermarkets create.
Nigel Dowdney said: “I am delighted that Mr Lamb was able to come to my store. It was important to make sure he understood not only what we provide the community, but how important it is that the Government makes sure that businesses like ours can be around for many years to come.
“Since the Tesco superstore opened, many local businesses have closed down. It is crucial to the community that we have a thriving high street, and the store visit was an ideal opportunity to discuss these issues with Mr Lamb.”
Norman Lamb MP said, “I am always pleased to visit retailers in my constituency. It was interesting to listen to Mr Dowdney’s experiences of supermarket competition in Stalham and what he has done to overcome that threat. Independent traders are an important feature of our community and deserve the support of the Government and the neighbourhoods they serve.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said “Mr Dowdney’s store is a prime example of how local shops are vital to the local community. Mr Dowdney is a passionate campaigner on behalf of local business in Stalham and shows the value of local campaigning.
“By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. We would encourage all convenience stores to follow Mr Dowdney’s lead, and to invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Norman Lamb is a Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk.
4. The visit took place at the Stalham Shopper store on Stalham High Street on 5 January.