MP Talks Shop in Milton Keynes
27 Nov 2006
Local businessman Paramasiuam Suyeenthiraraj, who runs a Booker Premier store on Severn Rd, Bletchley, hosted a visit from local MP Phyllis Starkey. The meeting was organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and was an opportunity for Dr Starkey to show her support for local independent traders.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
At the meeting Dr Starkey heard about the role that local stores play in the community, and the choice and vital services they offer. She also discussed the key issues that affect local businesses and wide range of choice provided, from groceries to the lottery. The importance of keeping in touch with MPs to raise awareness of issues affecting small stores was also made clear at the visit.
Phyllis Starkey MP said, “It was very helpful to discuss with Mr Suyeenthiraraj the problems he was experiencing as a local retailer and the barriers to independent retailers competing with supermarket chains. I will be also be talking to Ministers about the importance of independent retailers to the provision of lottery services.
Local retailer Mr Suyeenthiraraj said: “This was an excellent opportunity for me to meet with Phyllis and discuss my store. It is important that retailers give their local MP the facts about their business, especially concerning the issues faced by smaller retailers. Despite these challenges, we believe we offer a great personal service to our customers, and I was grateful to be able to explain to Phyllis the role we play in our local community.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said “Mr Suyeenthiraraj’s store is an example of how local stores are vital to the local community. They provide a link to customers and a range of services that is exactly tailored to local people. By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. We would encourage all convenience stores to do what Mr Suyeenthiraraj has done, and to invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) was formed in 1995 as the retail trade association for the UK convenience store sector. ACS is the fastest growing trade association in the UK retail market, representing over 32,500 shops.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Phyllis Starkey is Labour MP for Milton Keynes South West. http://www.phyllisstarkey.co.uk
4. The visit took place at Booker Premier, 184 Severn Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes on Friday 24th November.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
At the meeting Dr Starkey heard about the role that local stores play in the community, and the choice and vital services they offer. She also discussed the key issues that affect local businesses and wide range of choice provided, from groceries to the lottery. The importance of keeping in touch with MPs to raise awareness of issues affecting small stores was also made clear at the visit.
Phyllis Starkey MP said, “It was very helpful to discuss with Mr Suyeenthiraraj the problems he was experiencing as a local retailer and the barriers to independent retailers competing with supermarket chains. I will be also be talking to Ministers about the importance of independent retailers to the provision of lottery services.
Local retailer Mr Suyeenthiraraj said: “This was an excellent opportunity for me to meet with Phyllis and discuss my store. It is important that retailers give their local MP the facts about their business, especially concerning the issues faced by smaller retailers. Despite these challenges, we believe we offer a great personal service to our customers, and I was grateful to be able to explain to Phyllis the role we play in our local community.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said “Mr Suyeenthiraraj’s store is an example of how local stores are vital to the local community. They provide a link to customers and a range of services that is exactly tailored to local people. By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. We would encourage all convenience stores to do what Mr Suyeenthiraraj has done, and to invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) was formed in 1995 as the retail trade association for the UK convenience store sector. ACS is the fastest growing trade association in the UK retail market, representing over 32,500 shops.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Phyllis Starkey is Labour MP for Milton Keynes South West. http://www.phyllisstarkey.co.uk
4. The visit took place at Booker Premier, 184 Severn Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes on Friday 24th November.