In the case of John, his business acumen and his focus on customer service through staff training not only earned him industry accolades but also bottom line awards, as his sales have increased by 17% for the first six months of 2009, despite the toughest trading conditions in a decade.

Although stores like John's are the examples of modern management which will do well during and after the recession, I think that the industry should do more to protect smaller stores, such as that of Basil's. We should lobby more vigorously for better control of high street rents and for tightening of local authority planning laws. I have been told many times that the reason why the high streets in provincial France flourish are the planning laws which protect local trade and ensure that if a butcher closes only another butcher can open in his place.

Of course, retra is working relentlessly on these issues and Bryan Lovewell's team is wearing out their knuckles rapping on Westminster's doors, but the plight and the role of small electrical retailers should be brought to the public attention not only through the trade but also the national and local press. The bottom up pressures are usually more effective (and longer lasting) than these from the top.

Anna Ryland, Editor

aryland@datateam.co.uk

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