Solihull MP Talks Shop at Gordons
13 Oct 2006
Local businessmen Kirit Patel who runs Gordons on Gospel Lane, Acocks Green hosted a visit from local MP Lorely Burt. The meeting facilitated by the national Association of Convenience Stores, was a chance for Ms Burt to show her support for local independent traders.
At the meeting Ms Burt heard about how the Patel brothers have run the store on Gospel Lane for over 28 years and the major investment plans that the owners have in store for Gordons. She also discussed the key issues that affect local businesses, in particular how they can compete with major supermarkets and provide a good service for local people. They also discussed issues around crime and underage alcohol sales, which the MP agreed to raise with local police.
Lorely Burt MP said: “Gordons is a longstanding family run business supporting the community on Gospel Lane. I was delighted to learn of their refurbishment and the service they give to local people particularly those who are unable to travel to larger shopping areas.
“Independent traders are a precious feature of our commercial scene and deserve the support of the Government and the communities they serve.”
Gordons owner Kirit Patel said “I was happy to host Lorely at my store. It is important for MPs to hear from local retailers about the issues that we face in serving the community. For 28 years we have served the local community and are looking forward to even more success after our refit.
“I was keen to stress the importance of Government support for the independent trader in an increasingly competitive grocery market. We provide a valuable and unique service to local people and we can carry on if we get the right support.”
ACS Government Relations Manager Shane Brennan said: “There is nothing more effective in ensuring that politicians are listening to the voice of small retailers than the retailer taking the time to speak to their MP.”
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 visit took place at GORDONS, Gospel Lane, Acocks Green, on Friday 13th October.
At the meeting Ms Burt heard about how the Patel brothers have run the store on Gospel Lane for over 28 years and the major investment plans that the owners have in store for Gordons. She also discussed the key issues that affect local businesses, in particular how they can compete with major supermarkets and provide a good service for local people. They also discussed issues around crime and underage alcohol sales, which the MP agreed to raise with local police.
Lorely Burt MP said: “Gordons is a longstanding family run business supporting the community on Gospel Lane. I was delighted to learn of their refurbishment and the service they give to local people particularly those who are unable to travel to larger shopping areas.
“Independent traders are a precious feature of our commercial scene and deserve the support of the Government and the communities they serve.”
Gordons owner Kirit Patel said “I was happy to host Lorely at my store. It is important for MPs to hear from local retailers about the issues that we face in serving the community. For 28 years we have served the local community and are looking forward to even more success after our refit.
“I was keen to stress the importance of Government support for the independent trader in an increasingly competitive grocery market. We provide a valuable and unique service to local people and we can carry on if we get the right support.”
ACS Government Relations Manager Shane Brennan said: “There is nothing more effective in ensuring that politicians are listening to the voice of small retailers than the retailer taking the time to speak to their MP.”
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 visit took place at GORDONS, Gospel Lane, Acocks Green, on Friday 13th October.