Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has no interest in the opinions of small businesses, according to the BHF Group.
The trade association for independent retailers says Brown has hand-picked his new Business Council for Britain from the big hitters of retail, finance and business. In doing so, it concludes that he has sent a very clear message to all small businesses in the country: “I’m not interested in anything you have to say”.
BHF Group points out that small businesses account for over 99% of all companies, 58% of employment and 51% of turnover.
It goes on to say that for small retailers in particular the message is even more pointed, with the two retailers on the council both board members of Tesco – whose market dominance is currently under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.
BHF Group managing director Alan Hawkins commented: “This is bad news for independents, but maybe it’s just that Gordon Brown doesn’t know any small business people. If he wants to balance his council a little better all he has to do is call me on 0121 446 6688 and I’ll be glad to help.”
Meanwhile, BHF Group has made three new staff appointments. Esther Purvey joins as marketing executive, Rebecca Abbott takes over as information officer from Maisie Slater, who has spent nearly 17 years with BHF, and Yvonne Morton has been recruited to provide the rapidly-expanding Direct Company with a professional resource in credit management.
