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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Is this Britain's SMUGGEST high street? Locals in market town boast everyone 'wishes' they had shops like theirs and claim it is 'creative capital of England'
The weather would be a trade-killer for many an embattled town centre – cloudy, drizzly and unseasonably chilly. But this is Totnes, self-declared 'creative capital' of England, scourge of the chain store and home of what one independent retailer describes as a 'Goldilocks high street'. Which is partly why by 11am the historic South Devon town is already thronging with shoppers - locals and visitors alike - and the coffee shops are buzzing. At least, most are. The one representative of a major national café brand, Caffe Nero's Coffee#1, has only a couple of occupied tables in its comparatively spacious premises. In fairness this may be because it stands at the top of the steepish high street, furthest from the main car parks. Yet there can be no doubt that national chains, particularly coffee chains, are about as welcome in Totnes as a cold cappuccino. Costa got the message 12 years when its attempt to launch in the medieval market town resulted in a residents' 6,000-name protest petition, 300 objections to planners and a natty campaign website, ' The company could have gone ahead but pulled out after then managing director Chris Rogers acknowledged that it was 'a town with a long and proud history of independent retailers'. Since the successful revolt, locals in the region have managed to keep most big brands from encroaching on their cherished town centre, with some business owners claiming others 'wish' for a high street like theirs. At Brioche café, front-of-house manager Gavin Brown, remembers Totnes's outrage well. 'The locals got so riled about that,' he said. 'There were fears that every national chain would start eyeing us up. 'People here have a strong sense that this town is the creative capital of England. 'There are lots of artistic retailers, lots of quirky shops. It was felt franchises would diminish the character of the place. 'Independence isn't the only reason Totnes has bucked the trend of run-down town centres. 'We have the coast, the moors, beautiful countryside and amazing history on our doorstep. It all helps attract visitors. But it also helps to look and be different.' At the nearby Green Café, Yorkshireman John Pollard, agrees. He says Totnes is collectively 'a little curiosity shop' and it's a misconception that chains are cheaper. 'Our coffee is cheaper than Costa and our pasties cheaper than our nearest chain rival,' he said. 'Yes, Totnes is successful. I shudder to think what it's like for shops in similar small towns in the north of England. 'But we're also under pressure. Our business energy contract has been crippling. Taxes we pay to local and national government have hit five per cent of turnover. There's no support for family enterprises.' John, 56, launched the business with his wife Sylvia Kerkar after returning from India three years ago. They try to employ young people and encourage entrepreneurship. 'Some are thinking about it,' he added. 'If they've learned one thing it is that you have to work hard and be resourceful.' Across the road at Totnes Wine and Fine Foods owner Simon Moorman, a former investment manager, echoes his words. 'Relatively speaking, we're thriving,' he told Mail Online. 'Visitors all tell me the same thing: 'We wish our high street was like yours'. Pictured: Coffee#1, a subsidiary of Cafe Nero, and the only coffee chain in Totnes centre. The area has a history of fighting against the establishment of chain brands, including campaigning against the opening of a Costa in 2012 'But almost every Totnes trader I know is cutting back on hours or the number of people they employ. 'The notion that this government supports growth is absolute crap. Business rates have doubled, the minimum wage and national insurance contributions have increased and local parking charges have rocketed. 'Why is anyone surprised that high streets are in trouble.' His words ring true but every trader we spoke to agreed that Totnes would be in a whole lot more trouble if its independent stores had to compete with an influx of major chains. At the Fayre Trade Fairy, a mother-and-daughter run fashion store which supports suppliers across the world, 24-year-old Rosie Sage says the town's strong sense of community keeps her in business. 'If H&M moved next door to us we'd be finished,' she said. 'I used to live on a shopping street in Exeter next to the city centre. Premises would change hands every year because no independent trader could compete with the big brands up the road. 'That doesn't happen in Totnes because we have a really strong community willing to fight to protect what it has.' Some of the protection is in-built, as Nigel Jones of the family-run East Gate Bookshop points out. 'Having a medieval high street means that most shop premises are comparatively small – 2,000 sq ft or less,' he said. 'This doesn't work for most major chains who typically want at least 5,000 sqft to fit their business models. 'It helps protect the rest of us. Although we have a few chains such as WHSmith, Mountain Warehouse, Fatface and the like, they have already snapped up the larger premises. There are few opportunities for other big brands to move in. 'It's also important to point out the obvious - we have a beautiful and unique town which is a draw in itself for visitors. 'We're a Goldilocks high street. Not too big, not too small and always tempting. 'But we're not a mini theme park. Locals have butchers, greengrocers and all the other shops they need to stay functional. 'It's old fashioned but it's not Ye Olde Totnes.' Up the road, Conker Shoes proprieter Simon Gwilt is proudly maintaining a trade that has been part of Totnes for hundreds of years. A shoemaker himself, he employs two others full-time using skills that have changed little. 'Too many high streets look exactly the same, wherever you are in the country,' he said. 'Our shops all look very different. That's what adds to Totnes's character. 'We have locals and visitors as regular customers. They like the idea of hand-made shoes which are properly sustainable. We design them so they can eventually be re-soled.' Shoppers we spoke to were universally enthusiastic about a shopping trip to Totnes. While the town's population is a modest 8,800, it is a retail magnet for residents from surrounding villages. The mayor says the fact there are 300 listed buildings, of which some 280 are on the high street, means that it is an automatic deterrent for chains as it comes with extra costs Pictured: An independent store called Revival. The market town sits within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty and so attracts many visitors to the area Sue Keeler makes a regular 30-mile round trip from Kingsbridge, in the South Hams, precisely because she enjoys the day out. 'I love the place,' she said. 'It's great shopping here, a relaxing experience – you can wander round a beautiful town packed with shops you won't find anywhere else. 'I feel for people who are denied that because their town centre shops are run-down or boarded up.' At Zappa's 'plant-based' café, assistant Kerry Hope says the importance of surrounding villages is key to the local economy. 'We serve regular groups who are on a coffee-shop crawl – like a pub crawl but cheaper, she said. 'Local people do not like the big chains. That applies as much to the natives as those who have come down from London to live here. 'There's no doubt though that visitors sustain our businesses. Some shops would never get through the winter without the summer trade.' Before we leave we call in on Town Mayor Tim Bennett, who proudly dons red robes, white gloves, and a gold chain before advising that he's the 592nd Mayor of Totnes. 'There was a time when you could only be Mayor if you bought another gold link for the chain,' he said. 'My predecessors clearly thought this a good way of keeping out the hoy-palloy. 'What's the secret of our success? There's no single thing. A lot is built up about residents keeping out big chains such as Costa but in truth we aren't really what most chains are looking for. 'There are 300 listed buildings in Totnes and some 280 are on the High Street. So moving in to any of those premises is going to come with costs. 'We have a decent retail mix now. The chains don't dominate and our independent shops have a fair chance to succeed.' Under the town's famous clock tower Tim is spotted by visitors who question whether he is Mayor or Town Crier. Either way, they want a selfie. He's happy to oblige. 'The Town Council knows the importance of holidaymakers,' he said. 'But we can't rely only on our summer trade. 'Street markets are vital. I know of shops which take more money during our three Christmas markets then they do for the whole of the rest of the year. Without that income they would go to the wall. 'We are under no illusion. Totnes lives and dies by its High Street.'
RNZ News
23-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Energy reform has to go beyond cheaper off-peak power
First published on Photo: 123rf Opinion - The spotlight is again on New Zealand's energy sector , with a group of industry bodies and independent retailers pushing for a market overhaul, saying the sector was "broken" and "driving up the cost of living". The Commerce Commission and the Electricity Authority has already established a joint taskforce , after prices peaked in 2024, to investigate ways to improve the performance of the electricity market. The Authority recently announced new rules requiring larger electricity retailers to offer lower off-peak power prices from next year. The government is also expected to make further announcements on the sector. But the question is whether these changes will do enough to help New Zealanders live affordably in dry and warm homes. Some 30 percent of households face energy hardship . This means they struggle to afford or access sufficient energy to meet their daily needs. Caused by a combination of poor housing quality , high energy costs and the specific needs of vulnerable residents, energy hardship can lead to serious health issues and high hospital admission costs . We know from our own research over the past 18 years that having power disconnected can negatively affect health and wellbeing. People have told us that not being able to afford enough power to keep warm made them more likely to get sick and exacerbated existing health conditions. They described mental distress from unaffordable electricity and the threat of disconnection. Research participants used words such as "stressed", "anxious" or "depressed". They also spoke about having to choose between food and power bills. If power is disconnected, there can be additional costs from losing food in the fridge and freezer, as well as the problem of paying disconnection and reconnection fees when people already can't afford the bill. People have said not being able to afford enough power to keep warm made them more likely to get sick and exacerbated existing health conditions. Photo: 123RF In 2024, a "dry year" that increased the value of hydro generation, combined with lower-than-usual wind and declining supply of gas, resulted in wholesale electricity price spikes . But these winter shortages aren't the only factor pushing up power bills. Electricity bills reflect several costs along the supply chain from generation to getting the electricity to the sockets in our homes. A new regulatory period for lines charges from April 2025 increased bills by $10 to $25 per month, depending on where you live. At the same time, low fixed daily charges are being phased out . This means the cost of being connected to the grid is the same no matter how much power is used. It is the poorest New Zealanders who are being hardest hit. The lowest income households spend a bigger proportion of their income on power compared to higher income households. Having electricity prices increase faster than inflation will put even more families at risk. The average household electricity bill was up 8.7 percent in May 2025 compared to June 2024 . According to a recent Consumer NZ survey , 20 percent of respondents said they struggled to pay their power bill in the past year. The new Consumer Care Obligations might help reduce some of the risks. Power companies must now comply with these obligations when working with households struggling to pay their bills, are facing disconnection or have someone in the home who is medically dependent on electricity. If households feel their power company is not meeting these obligations, they can contact Utilities Disputes , a free independent electricity and gas complaint resolution service, or the Electricity Authority . But multiple changes are needed to address the different parts of the energy hardship problem. Improving home energy efficiency through schemes like Warmer Kiwi Homes is crucial. Introducing an Energy Performance Rating for houses would make it easier for home buyers and renters to know how much it will cost to power a home before they move in. This would also help target energy hardship support. The government can also make electricity more affordable by supporting not-for-profit power companies . Another good move would be to help more households to install rooftop solar by providing access to long-term low-interest finance . Lower prices during off-peak hours are a good start. But it is clear the sheer size and complexity of the problems mean government action, with community and industry collaboration, needs to go beyond slightly cheaper electricity when there is less demand. Kimberley O'Sullivan is a Senior Research Fellow, He Kāinga Oranga - Housing and Health Research Programme, University of Otago. - This story originally appeared on The Conversation.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Family-owned retailer in city centre closes for good after 295 years as boss says ‘it's difficult to swallow'
A FAMILY-OWNED firm has closed down after nearly 300 years, in a decision the boss says is "difficult to swallow." The company is believed to be the 'oldest' in the city, having been established 295 years ago. 1 Based in Coventry and founded in 1730, Astleys specialised in cleaning, hygiene and janitorial products. It has now closed for good after it entered solvent liquidation and ceased trading. Directors David and Jonathan said the firm is one of a few independent retailers still operating in the city as the West Midlands has seen a surge in multinational firms. The closure was caused by several factors, including consumer shopping habits changing after Covid-19. Rising costs were also an issue as operational costs were described as "increasingly difficult to swallow" by the directors. In their statement, they said that supplies felt pressured to reduce overheads, often prioritising "fewer, larger customers" over smaller independents which made it difficult to compete in a crowded market. In a joint statement they said: 'It is with great sadness that the directors of the business have taken the decision to end our relationship with thousands of wonderful customers. "However, it is time to make this decision whilst we are in the position to be able to withdraw with honour held. "We are conducting a controlled shutdown, ensuring that we pay all our staff, suppliers and other creditors. "Astleys has not gone bust, we are entering solvent liquidation." Popular crafts retailer takes swipe at bankrupt Joann with three word jab after all locations set to close "Many of our customers have said many wonderful things and expressed shock and disappointment. "We have heard that Astleys is part of Coventry, and indeed, after 295 years of employing Coventrians, serving Coventry businesses and paying our taxes and dues, we also feel that sentiment. They added: "If only history paid the bills." Astley's sold a range of practical products, including protective clothing, chemicals and tools. Customers on social media expressed sadness at the business' closure, commenting on the high quality, affordable clothing as the biggest loss. One customer wrote: "Astley's was a really good supplier and good prices. Shame this goes too." Online reviews praise friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as good value, high-quality workwear. One reviews reads: "Great prices, great service, knowledgeable staff." The store was based in Coventry Business Park and employed staff from the local area. It comes amid nationwide closures affecting a range of independent businesses. This has affected historic family-owned businesses like a DIY shop in Yorkshire and a newsagents in Ely. Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre's decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. Boss Stuart Machin recently said that when it relocated a tired store in Chesterfield to a new big store in a retail park half a mile away, its sales in the area rose by 103 per cent. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Wilko, Debenhams Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Paperchase to name a few. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.
