The Harsh Reality Facing Local Shops Today - Why West Malling’s High Street Needs Our Support
Meeting Suzanne Dackombe, owner of The Chocolate Umbrella in West Malling, this Easter week brought home just how tough things are for small businesses right now.
We spoke about the mounting financial pressures facing independent shops: Rising NICs, the jump in minimum wage, business rates, local parking charges, all under the spectre of the impending impact of the oil price shock.
Suzanne used to employ local school teenagers to help in the shop. It gave shy, unconfident young people invaluable early experience of working life. But those opportunities have vanished; the costs have simply become unaffordable.
West Malling has already lost three high street businesses in recent months: Clay’s Menswear just this week, and earlier this year Rosie’s Café and The Hungry Guest.
It’s hard to see where the Government’s promised strategy for growth and supporting SMEs has gone.
Suzanne, stalwartly supported by husband Nick, are working flat out for their busiest week of the year. I sincerely hope they can continue to thrive despite the brutal economic climate.
The Chocolate Umbrella, 42 High Street, West Malling, ME19 6QR
Tel: 01732 522 533 www.chocolateumbrella.co.uk
Photo (L – R) Nick Dackombe, Helen, Suzanne Dackombe
