Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis visited local retailers Simone and Peter Calnon on Friday morning to discuss the changes they’ve made to meet the needs of customers and the regulatory issues they face in their business.
The two Spar Foodmarkets stores are a part of a family business, having been established in 1987 by Peter’s parents. Simone and Peter have won national awards for their store, as well as being highly active in their local communities. Since January 2000, the stores have donated over £21,000 to national and local charities.
Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis said: “Simone and Peter’s stores in both Hemsby and Ormesby are a great asset to these communities, employing 40 staff between them and investing in an innovative and relevant retail offer. We all need to support businesses like this and it was extremely valuable to hear about the issues first hand from Simone and Peter.”
Simone Calnon said: “It was great to host Brandon Lewis MP at our store and tell the story of the investment we have made in creating a modern convenience store in Hemsby. We discussed issues around employment law, business rates and local issues, and I’ll be making sure I keep in contact with my MP. I encourage all convenience stores to do the same. “
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “We are really grateful to Brandon Lewis MP for visiting the store. Simon and Peter’s business is a best in class example of a modern local shop.”
Research from the Association of Convenience Stores shows that more local shops are planning to invest in their businesses now than at any time over the last three years. Convenience stores are also central to their communities, with 90% involved in fundraising, charity work and local engagement across the UK.
