Shadow Treasury Minister, James Wild MP, met with Neil Godhania from the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) at his business Heacham Stores in Norfolk last Thursday (20 August).
The pair discussed the local jobs it created after its opening in March. However, they also discussed business rates, rising energy bills and other business costs affecting the independent retail sector and how they impact Neil’s ability to sustain and expand his business.
Wild has served as the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, which includes Heacham, since 2019. Also attending the meeting in the large Norfolk village - located between Kings Lynn and Hunstanton - was the Fed’s political engagement coordinator, Douglas Oliver.
Neil highlighted the twenty jobs created by the shop’s establishment during the Spring, running under the Nisa fascia, following the conversion of a previously empty unit. He also highlighted his use of well-known local suppliers like Krusty Loaf and Golvers Farm Eggs and his installation of a dedicated community corner, where seating is provided and local people are encouraged to stop for a coffee, alongside a community noticeboard.
Rising costs
However, Neil also highlighted a range of rising costs that were impacting his business, particularly rising energy bills as well as significant business rate bills and higher NI contributions.
Neil said: “It’s been exciting to develop this business in collaboration with my brother and a great team of local staff, and it was great to show James what it offers and how it’s already become a focal point of the local community. But I also highlighted some of the cost challenges that are making it harder for the shop to grown even more and provide further employment.”
Wild said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and it was positive to hear about the 20 jobs Neil’s creating, as well its role as a vital focal point for the community.
It’s clear taxes and costs like business rates are too high and I want to work with the Fed and others in Parliament to call on the Government to ease the tax and regulatory burden on firms so they can thrive.”
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