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Editorial Citizen W/E 5th October
By John Gearing FRICS Despite world economic factors and the events of recent weeks the Country continues to foster a nation of willing small shopkeepers. Of all the commercial sectors, which include manufacturing, warehousing, service needs and retailing it is the retailing sector that remains more buoyant despite the forecast of economic gloom. Obviously interest rates are a major factor and with interest rates currently at an all time low now is the time to borrow money for a new business venture. Also the fact that anybody can easily enter the retailing sector makes this a natural opening for anybody wanting to become self employed and be master of their own destiny in business. However the one essential ingredient for a small shopkeeper is the plentiful supply of small retail premises from which to trade. These need to be of the right size and available at the right rent. Traditionally this market has been supplied by premises on the edges of towns displaced by the multiples taking over premises in the Town Centres. The demand for housing particularly in the South East and the change of attitude of planning authorities working under Government guide lines means that some of the edge of town shops are now under threat of being changed into houses fuelled by the better prices obtainable for this purpose rather than as existing shops with accommodation over. This long term will mean that the small shopkeeper will find it increasingly difficult to find suitable premises from which to trade from. Local Authorities need to be aware that we are a nation of small shopkeepers
and that theses needs should be provided for in any future Local Plans. |
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