SOS

Here we go...a local campaign to think local. It's not the thinking that's important it's "buying local". You can have as many initiatives and meetings you like but this is not the answer.

Although I applaud the fact there are attempts being made which is of vital importance but the facts remain in these times, and Henley is no different. People buy what they need now not necessarily what they want. So food is normally always going to be the winner. So if you really want to help local shops there's one simple solution. Get rid of supermarkets! We know that is not going to happen just as much as getting rid of the motor car.

People go to supermarkets for their obvious convenience not necessarily for the service or price. People sometimes are deceived by the marketing believing they get better prices. In lots of cases that not the case. My own position for instance; in most cases I can compete and in many cases beat the the prices of my bigger competitors and with a service people like. However the perception is that we cannot and of course the one draw back is I cannot stock the volume these big shops can. In most cases though I can provide the same day delivery or at worst (in most cases) the next day.

Also needed is good healthy competition that helps each other. In most cases as long as it is a fair level playing field this is all good business sense. Having shops and goods that people need first and want. That's why the news of two household names coming to Henley has got to be a plus. Let's have some more and a good across the board selection.

The local paper backing is also good news. Perhaps they could offer cheaper advertising for local businesses and back their own campaign. I do not see this happening as this is the same paper that refused my own advertising because they classed me as competition. I did not know I had come so far and regarded it as a compliment but as for encouraging competition, this was not! I did manage to get advertising in the local magazine though!