retra Helps to Keep Trade Local

The Keep Trade Local Campaign, launched this month by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), will focus on keeping the high street alive despite increased competition from supermarkets and out-of-town retail centres.

Bryan Lovewell, Chief Executive for retra, said: “This is a great campaign and one that retra is delighted to be supporting.

“The high street is at the heart of many communities in the UK and we will support any measure that fights to keep it that way.

“Without the variety offered by independent businesses, retailing would soon become a dull and soulless experience for consumers.

“It has never been more important to make a stand in support of small businesses and retra will be encouraging its members to get involved.”

Retailers are being encouraged to take an active role in the campaign by signing a petition and writing to their local MP. The petition calls on the Prime Minister to secure the future of small shops across the UK by safeguarding the choice that people expect from the marketplace.

Andrew Cave, Deputy Head for Public Affairs at the FSB said: “The FSB launched this campaign because it believes that government and the Competition Commission have failed to represent the interests of independent retailers.

“ Independent electrical retailers are particularly under threat from aggressive marketing by supermarkets, but the Competition Commission has so far only considered the groceries market.

“We welcome retra’s support for this campaign and urge their members to sign our petition and make their voice heard.”

Peter Mann, retra President and owner of seven Sony Centres agrees that as many people should get involved as possible. He said: “I hope all independent retailers take the opportunity to make a difference and support the Keep Trade Local campaign.

“The high street is far more interesting than the supermarkets and offers far greater choice. To take away that choice would be disastrous for consumers. In Brighton and we’re fortunate to have a fantastic range of shops and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.”

The Keep Trade Local petition can be signed online at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal. retra members can also print off copies of the petition here for family, staff and customers to sign.

For more information please call Louise Lloyd-Jones, Communications Executive for retra, on 01234 269110 or email louise.lloyd-jones@retra.co.uk

< return to the Latest News page