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Heart of the Community 2025

Attlee Suite, House of Commons, London
02.09.2025
10:00am - 4:00pm
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Heart of the Community is our annual political conference focused on community retailing and the political developments affecting local shops.

This year will also see the launch of the 2025 Local Shop Report, the most comprehensive report on the convenience sector providing exclusive insight into the stores we run, the people we employ and the communities we serve.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Rachel Cunliffe –  Associate Political Editor, the New Statesman
  • Gareth Thomas MP - Minister for Small Businesses
  • Alex Norris MP –  Minister for Local Growth and High Streets
  • Kevin Hollinrake –  MP for Thirsk and Malton
  • Michael Wheeler - MP for Worsley and Eccles
  • Simon Eastwood - Chief Operating Officer, Southern Co-operative
  • Victoria Lockie - Head of Wholesale - Strategic Projects & Acquisitions, Morrisons
  • Jack Matthews - Member of ACS Independent Board & Leading retailer, Bradley's Supermarket

The conference will be followed by an exclusive parliamentary drinks reception on the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, where retailers will have the chance to meet their MP.

More speakers and details to be announced in due course!

 

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Event Speakers

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Thirsk and Malton

Kevin Hollinrake is the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, and has been an MP continually since 7 May 2015. He is currently the chair of the Conservative Party, and has previously undertook the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor, the New Statesman

Rachel Cunliffe is the associate political editor of the New Statesman. She writes on politics and culture, conducts interviews, and is a regular contributor to the New Statesman Podcast.

Michael Wheeler, MP for Worsley and Eccles

Michael Wheeler is the Labour MP for Worsley and Eccles, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024.

Alex Norris MP, Minister for Local Growth and High Streets

Alex Norris is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley, and has been an MP continually since 8 June 2017. He currently holds the Government post of Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government).

Simon Eastwood, COO, Southern Co-op

Simon has worked in Food retail for all of his career, running Stores, Areas, Regions and Divisions in retail as well as experience in senior Commercial, customer experience and program management roles.

Victoria Lockie, Head of Wholesale - Strategic Projects & Acquisitions, Morrisons

An experienced Retail Leader with a demonstrated 35+ years of working in the Independent Convenience sector. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Acquisition & Project Management, Operations Management and Coaching. Multi-site Key Accounts, Large Format Stores, Forecourts & Holiday Parks. 2 x Board roles- Exec and Trustee, WiHTL ‘Women to watch 2024’, Ambassador for Diversity in Wholesale, Women in Wholesale, Grocery Aid & #Shopkind (ACS Campaign)

Jack Matthews, Bradley's Supermarket

Jack is the owner of Bradley's Supermarkets alongside his parents, operating two village convenience stores in Quorn, based in Leicestershire. Their focus is on supporting local brands and offering a diverse range of products to their local community. Jack takes pride in the in-house kitchen where they produce a variety of goods, from ready meals to sandwiches and convenient items for on the go customers. Jack is always looking to development his product range and closely collaborates with suppliers to continuously enhance the store offerings.

Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Small Businesses

Gareth Thomas is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Harrow West, and has been an MP continually since 1 May 1997. He currently holds the position of Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, with responsibility for retail.

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