Following the recent Parliamentary debate on ‘Children’s Access to Books’, I agreed to meet with the Booksellers Association to discuss further the role of local bookshops. Having highlighted the success of Swindon’s Bert’s Books in the debate, I invited Alex (the owner) to also join this roundtable, a resident expert.
Local bookshops have so many benefits.
Firstly, as per the debate, they play an important role in increasing access to books, a seemingly obvious point, but I was the only one to flag this in the debate. Secondly, they are vital for our High Streets. In surveys they are one of the most popular choices of residents and despite the onslaught of internet shopping hammering the traditional High Street, book shops are bucking the trend, with numbers of independent bookshops increasing from a low of 700, to 1,100 – Bert’s Books being one of those increased numbers. A successful bookshop increases footfall (which benefits neighbouring shops), provides employment and crucially enjoyment for its customers.
The Booksellers Association provide vital support and advice, especially for start-ups – how to buy stock, insurance, best practice on promotions and events. It was a fascinating meeting, and I am chuffed to bits that Bert’s Books has both been such a local success, but also an inspiration for others around the country.
The Booksellers Association’s ask on me are pushing for a greater link up with School’s, who for their own libraries are big purchasers. This is something I will raise directly with the School Library Association, which is also based in Swindon. They have also highlighted the need for further changes around rent renewals. Fitting out bookshops is expensive, so long-term certainty with leases is key. This and the wider principle of protection for retailers around lease renewal is currently being reviewed in Parliament and I will feed in directly.
On Monday, I visited Seetec Pluss in Fleet Street as part of National Employability Week. Working with local employers, they provide bespoke, tailored support for those looking to return to work.
They help build skills, confidence, and ultimately secure work – with many success stories. These Government funded packages are aimed at those who have been out of work for some time or have either long-term health conditions or a disability.
I joined a roundtable that included both people seeking work, and local employers. From those seeking work, they appreciated the more personalised support, but it is clear we need to keep pushing to make this available as quickly as possible. For the employers, it was clear that with record employment levels, it can be a challenge to fill the skill gaps, so working with Seetec Pluss to offer opportunities was helping many local employers grow. Very much a win, win.
I will continue to encourage local businesses to work with Seetec Pluss, maximising opportunities for those who want and should be working.
Finally, for those missing football, the pre-season friendlies are about to start. Next Wednesday evening sees the very popular annual Swindon Supermarine v Swindon Town friendly – the first opportunity to see how the respective teams are shaping up for the new season, especially with changes to the squads. I am sure there will be good weather, plenty of goals and it will be a great evening for the fans!
