OPINION: Success comes from engagement at a local level

There has been a lot of media attention in recent weeks about the potential impact of a ‘yes’ vote in the Scottish Referendum. 

You will have the advantage of knowing the result by the time you read this, and the trade has also had the benefit of some excellent events run by the Scottish Grocers Federation looking at the implications of independence.

Regardless of the outcome of the vote, we can expect to see more legislative powers for Scotland. However, this is not necessarily going to be a significantly different prospect for retailers than it is now. 

Core issues such as planning regulations, business rates, carrier bag charging and alcohol are already devolved, meaning stores in Scotland have to follow different rules to their English counterparts. 

While further devolution could have an impact on supply chains and other regulatory issues, stores currently have to work with different rules north and south of the border.

The important thing to remember during this process is that whether national policy is being determined in Westminster, Holyrood or anywhere else, the key to being a successful modern convenience retailer is engagement on a local level. 

By building relationships with local councillors and other decision makers, retailers can ensure their store is front of mind when decisions are being made. And with the Localism agenda continuing to be pushed by the UK Government, this engagement is more important than ever.