SLR p42 property Jun09.qxp 29/05/2009 14:48 Page 42
inside business
PROPERTY
Property Digest
Independents back in business “The Competition Commission have made being enjoyed by the sector. This business
The Scottish food retail sector is as resilient it clear that they do not plan to let the dust is located on High Street in Carluke approx-
as ever despite the constant threat that the settle on this case and have clearly signalled imately 8 miles north of Lanark. The busi-
larger supermarkets pose on the small that they will put a bid forward to revive the ness has been owned and run by the same
village shop. The credit crunch is currently test and abolish large supermarket monop- owners for over 10 years and they have
affecting all sectors so it would be unfair to olies.” decided to sell due to retirement. The busi-
say that the food retail sector is any differ- ness is already enjoying excellent levels of
ent. Consumer buying preferences are Demand still strong … profits and would provide the new owners
changing and many consumers are revert- “With such strong support from the with excellent development potential as
ing from the expensive branded products to Competition Commission it is not surpris- there is huge scope to increase the product
cheaper supermarket own brand products, ing that we still have such high demand for range already on offer. Being offered for
which certainly threatens the smaller businesses in the sector. In fact, over recent sale since 12th May 2009 The Paper Box
retailer, who cannot take advantage of the months we have seen a phenomenal has already attracted huge interest with
huge economies of scale that supermarkets increase in the number of buyers entering over 116 detail requests and firm interest
enjoy. into the sector”, comments Mark Voisey. from interested parties.
He continues “The ‘home and income’ Mark comments “We are also seeing an
Changing times … lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular increase in foreign visitors to our website
It is a shame that Scotland cannot adopt the as redundancies create heightened job inse- and interest from ex-patriots who are look-
French planning policies which ensure that curity. Food and groceries are an essential ing to move back to Scotland. They now
local butchers, newsagents and grocers do commodity and a basic survival need, have more cash available due to the
not struggle as a result of unfair competi- therefore many of our buyers see conve- currency exchange rate and would enjoy a
tion. Tesco may have won the battle to stop nience stores, grocers and even newsagents better lifestyle by returning to the UK”.
the Competition Commission testing as a ‘safe investment’. Demand is fuelled If you are considering selling your busi-
whether their expansion plans would result by cash rich buyers who are looking for an ness and would like a free business
in unfair competition; but there is still a investment as a result of redundancy.” appraisal or free advice contact Victoria
war out there to be won. Mark Voisey, Oper- The Paper Box in Edinburgh is a prime Williams, Business Development Manager
ations Director for Bruce & Co, comments example of the high demand currently at Bruce & Co on 0844 544 9136.
42 l SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER l JUNE 2009 WWW.55NORTH.COM
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