The recent Competition Commissions findings have astounded the small shops sector of the retail industry. No-one thought that the CC were going to throw us a lifeline but equally we hoped they could help resolve a more level playing field. They were certainly looking in to a different market to the one in which I operate, and have done nothing to help small shops in what is now a David and Goliath situation. However, I do hope that the Government has at last understood the benefits of a vibrant high street. With the continual erosion of communities, the high street is often all that is left to act as a “glue” in the fabric of society.Up and down the country, out of town shopping has sucked the life out of town centres with once bustling shops being replaced with wine bars, pubs and nightclubs. They have become areas to be avoided in the evenings and cauldrons of disorder during the nights. Our already overstretched police service is left to “mop up”. This cannot continue and small shops must be allowed to prosper and thrive to prevent further erosion of the high street. I am proud that my store can trade alongside a greengrocer, baker and butcher. Our community still has a choice; shop with your local, family owned specialist or travel a few miles to one of the “Big Fours” cloned stores.

firmly believe that consumers really do want to support their local shops which do such a fantastic job of delivering choice. We are so much more than just a shop, but in many communities, the realisation of that fact has come too late.

JJ