Keeping trade local!

11.32.34am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 30th Aug 2008

Hereford and South Herefordshire Liberal Democrat Parliamentary hopeful Sarah Carr has given her backing to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) 'Keep Trade Local' campaign. Sarah Carr met with FSB Regional Organiser Angela Smith on Tuesday 12th August to hear directly the views of the FSB whose membership includes almost 1000 small Herefordshire businesses.

Amongst many issues affecting local small Herefordshire businesses Sarah and Angela discussed Hereford's Edgar Street Grid Development, the rocketing price of fuel and the credit crunch. One of the FSB's key campaigns is to save small shops from extinction. A House of Commons report has estimated that by 2015 there will be no independent retailers left in the UK. As a result the FSB have launched a national campaign 'Keep Trade Local'.

Sarah Carr commented:

"There is a lot of concern that small shops and businesses in Herefordshire are suffering - from sharp practices by supermarkets, pressure from local planning decisions, parking and unfavourable business rates. I wholeheartedly support the FSB 'Keep Trade Local' campaign to safeguard our local communities and our thriving town and village centres. Shopping locally keeps profit in the local community, supports other local services such as the Post Office and other independent traders and is better for the environment."

FSB Regional Organiser for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Angela Smith said:

"The FSB is delighted that Sarah has added her support to its Keep Trade Local Campaign. Local businesses undoubtedly play a vital role in local communities; offering employment and training opportunities, easily accessible goods and services and a boost to the local economy. If we allow the current trend to continue it may soon be too late to redress the balance."

Supporters of independent traders and local businesses can sign the FSB's Keep Trade Local petition on the Downing Street website at:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal/