news Calls for minimum wage debate
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is asking local shops across Scotland to provide the evidence needed to prove the damaging impact of future increases in National Minimum Wage (NMW). SGF is encouraging retailers to return a questionnaire that investigates the impact of past increases on job creation, hours and investment in business growth. The findings will feed
into SGF’s submission to the Low Pay Commission.
SGF Chief Executive John Drummond said: “Each year we provide written evidence to the Low Pay Commission that reflects the impact the NMW has on the industry. We need local shops to complete the questionnaire in order to build our case for a freeze in minimum wage.” The Coalition Government in
its remit to the Low Pay Commission has asked it to take into account the impact of the NMW on the competitiveness of small firms in this year’s consultation.
The deadline for submissions to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation is September 10th and a recommendation will be made to Government by the end of February 2011.
Scotmid continues refits, and opens new store
The latest Scotmid to receive a facelift was the company’s Scotstoun Grove store in South Queensferry. Over £220,000 has been invested and Councillor Norman Work was on hand to cut the ribbon and welcome the first customers to the store. He commented: “As a local resident and a frequent customer to the store I’m absolutely delighted that Scotmid are investing in this facility. I hope local people appreciate the effort and commitment Scotmid are making to the area and support the refurbished store with their custom.”
The refurbished store incorporates more space for fresh
Choices UK owner targets c-stores
Home entertainment merchant The Webb Group is set to extend its partnerships with major retailers and the convenience sector after securing new private equity backing to fund its future expansion.
The company has been acquired by UK-based private equity fund Endless LLP, which is providing up to £15.5m of investment and working capital to support the Group’s growth plans. The Webb Group comprises two main trading companies, ChoicesUK, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of home entertainment products, including DVDs, music and gifts, and Webb
Ivory Burton, a popular consumer mail order business which primarily sells classic TV, film and entertainment DVDs. Through partnerships with leading brands including Wilkinson, Next, Grattan and Welcome Break, Webb Group supplies home entertainment to more than 4,500 retail outlets, as well as directly to more than 2.7 million customers. This year saw The Webb Group launch its ‘rent it here’
proposition through ChoicesUK, with early indications showing a high take-up of the touchscreen consoles which make it easier for c-stores to rent DVDs.
6 l SCOTTISH LOCAL RETAILER l AUGUST 2010
and chilled foods, a new chilled section for beers and wines, an improved range of groceries and a new layout.
It’s not just refurbs that
Scotmid is concentrating on and a new store was recently opened in the Roseburn area of Edinburgh last month. Store Manager Yvonne McKail was on hand to cut the ribbon and welcome customers to the store. She said, “Scotmid is delighted to be opening this new store in Roseburn. Scotmid prides itself on being a vital part of the local community and we work with other traders in the area to ensure an excellent shopping experience for the whole community.”
SLR in Scottish Cup final
The SLR-sponsored Uddingston Cricket Club have made it all the way to the Scottish Cup Final. The one day match, which will take place at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow on 4th September, will see Uddingston take on Stirling County over 50 overs. In the semi-final Uddingston crushed the favourites, Dunfermline. After reducing the visitors to 77 all out, Uddingston passed the winning mark in only 18 overs. Star player Paul Hoffman slammed 42 off 39 balls after his bowling heroics saw him take two for six off eight overs. Gavin Bradley shone with four for 16.
SLR will be out at force at the final and you can join us to
WWW.55NORTH.COM
hopefully watch Uddingston triumph. We have tickets to give away and if you’re interested drop us an email to
cthomson@55north.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72