Shadow Treasury Minister, James Wild MP, met with Neil Godhania from the Federation of Independent Retailers at his business Heacham Stores in Norfolk, where they discussed the local jobs it created after its opening in March this year.
However, they also discussed business rates, rising energy bills and other business costs affecting the independent retail sector and how they impact Mr Godhania’s ability to sustain and expand his business.
Mr 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 north of Kings Lynn and south of Hunstanton - was the Fed’s Political Engagement Coordinator, Douglas Oliver.
Mr Godhania highlighted the twenty jobs that were created by the shop’s establishment during the Spring, running under the fascia of NISA, his symbol group, following the conversation 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. However, Mr Godhania highlighted a range of rising costs that were impacting his business, particularly rising energy bills as well as significant business rate bills and higher national insurance contributions.
Mr Godhania said:
“It has been exciting to develop this business in collaboration with my brother and a great team of local staff at Heacham Stores and it was great to show James what it offers and how it has already become a focal point of the local community. However, I also had to highlight some of the cost challenges that are making it harder for the shop to grown even more and provide further employment.”
Mr Wild commented:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and it was positive to hear about the 20 jobs that Neil is creating, as well its role as a vital focal point for the community, as shown by the Community Corner where people can stop by for a coffee. However, it is 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.”
