Why We Need To Be Progressive

Len Glenville
Chair, Health Stores UK

"In late September we announced that the NAHS has changed its name to Health Stores UK. We also unveiled our brand-new logo and visual identity through our ‘Say hello to Health Stores UK’ marketing campaign.

"The NAHS rebrand was a key recommendation of a recent survey that looked at ways the organisation can promote independent health food retail most effectively in future years, while at the same time growing its membership and influence with key stakeholders.

"We believe that our new name – Health Stores UK – encapsulates the ambitious, forward-looking retailer organisation we are and is much more likely to grab the attention of key audiences. Having a shorter, more recognisable name will also help the Association communicate with consumer audiences more effectively.

"And as the new owner of the HealthyDoesIt website, we now have a powerful new platform to engage directly with consumers and show them why their local independent health store should be the first port of call for all their health and nutrition needs.

"Early reaction to the new name and look has been really positive, and we hope that the bold changes we are making will re-invigorate the Association, inspire more retailers to join us and create a more powerful voice for independent natural products retailers.

Rishi Sunak

"Health Stores UK wrote to the new Prime Minister to urge him to honour a pledge he made earlier in the year to protect local high streets by cutting the so-called ‘Shops Tax’.

"During the summer, the former Chancellor said in hustings that “supporting local streets and town centres is top of my mind”. Declaring that “these (retail) communities need support”, he added: “It’s the Conservative thing to do to make sure our communities are strong. The best way to help them is through business rates. That’s what I did as chancellor and that’s what I’ll do as Prime Minister.”

"As it stands, small retailers face the prospect of a 50% increase in business rates from April next year, when the current rates relief scheme ends. Combined with soaring energy prices and other rising business costs, this presents an existential threat to many independent bricks and mortar retailers.

"To avert this, the government must now prioritise fundamental changes to the ‘Shops Tax’. So Health Stores UK is calling on the Prime Minister to implement a permanent reduction in business rates to protect businesses that provide so much value to local economies and communities. [NB – this article was written before the Fiscal Statement].

Shop talk

"The second in Health Stores UK’s new series of online Shop Talk discussions focused on Immune Health. Co-hosted by Joanne Hill from Amaranth and Vicky Perks from Beanfreaks, the session provided plenty of retailer insights into how to maximise the Immune Health opportunity, drawing on Jo and Vicky’s direct experience in selling and advising on the category. They were joined by Viridian Nutrition who gave their well-informed take on the subject. Keep a look-out for the next one – Twitter @UKHealthStores or Facebook HealthStoresUK Members."

Contact [email protected] or call 01875 341 408 for details.