Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has visited a G & E Murgatroyd Spar store in Monkseaton to discuss policy issues for the convenience sector. G & E Murgatroyd is the company owned division of James Hall, employing over 1,400 people across 113 convenience stores in the North of England.
Spar Monkseaton offers a diverse grocery offer, in store bakery, bill payment services and free-to-use ATM. The store has seen significant growth in its fresh produce sales over the year with James Hall winning ‘The Shopper’s Favourite Fresh Convenience Retailer’ for 2018 at the HIM Awards.
The visit discussed how to improve local police responses to retail crime through the ACS Police and Crime Commissioner Pledge, incentivising investment in security equipment and ATMs using the business rates system and the community activity of local shops.
Alan Campbell MP said, “I was pleased to visit Spar in Monkseaton recently. Shop theft remains one of the biggest challenges for local shop owners and their staff costing the 63 stores in the Tynemouth constituency an estimated £1,739 on average per store in the last year. Shop theft is not a victimless crime and it is important it is not treated as such. I’ve pledged to support the ACS and local shop owners and their staff in their ongoing campaign to raise awareness of shop theft.”
ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “This local Spar store is a great example of a local shop investing in its community, providing valued employment opportunities and services close to where people live. Retailers inviting MPs to see first-hand their day-to-day experiences running a convenience store is the best way to explain local and national issues affecting the sector, and support ACS’ Police and Crime Commissioner Pledge”.
A template letter for retailers concerned about the impact of theft and abuse on their business to send to their local PCC, asking them to sign up to the pledge, is available here.
If you would like to arrange a store visit with your local MP to discuss the issues affecting your business, please contact ACS Public Affairs Manager Steve Dowling at [email protected]
