PRESS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 29 June 2011

Rural Shops Alliance provides evidence to MPs on Grocery Code Adjudicator role

Ken Parsons, Chief Executive of the RSA, has given evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee looking at the establishment of a Grocery Code Adjudicator. This was an opportunity for the RSA to emphasise how important we see this post to the industry. The RSA has consistently argued that unfair trading practices distort the industry and do not allow smaller shops to compete on a level playing field.

Ken parsons commented, “We hope that the evidence from ourselves and other trade bodies will see the Bill strengthened to give the GCA wider powers. In particular, the Bill needs to ensure that suppliers are given every chance to raise problems without the fear of subsequent adverse consequences, to ensure that the GCA has flexibility to take evidence from any credible source and that there are worthwhile sanctions available if breaches of the Code occur.”

Notes for editors:

The Rural Shops Alliance (RSA) is the national voice for about 7,500 rural retailers. We campaign on their behalf and also help these shops to become more competitive with practical advice and support, to the benefit of thousands of rural communities. Many ‘blue chip’ suppliers and county councils sponsor and partner the work of the RSA. Our direct contact with rural shops and with these organisations means that we keep in close touch with emerging issues and concerns in our fast changing business sector.

More Information:

Kenneth Parsons - Tel 01761 462371 Mobile 07980 673675

Gary Hepburn - Tel 01305 752050

Duty Press Contact - Tel 07092 048546