Comments on: Paul Gardner Goes To Downing St

By: Lisboeta

Lisboeta — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:28:41 +0000

The rise in rates/rents will spell the end of many smaller businesses. I doubt that the govt. will do more than utter platitudes, though. (Because SME’s are not major contributors to political parties: they don’t have spare cash to throw around!)

P.S. Fascinating site. I only found it today, looking for more info about Whitechapel Foundry’s closure.

By: gabrielle

gabrielle — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 04:02:14 +0000

I’ve been to Paul’s amazing shop and in between customers he told me all about his business and concerns for the future. Obviously the ridiculous rise in rates is an excuse to get rid of small businesses in order to redevelop. I only hope that Paul succeeds in stemming the tide of change in London. Developers, with the government’s approval, have done enough damage to the face of London already! Another glass monstrosity, similar in size to the Shard, is going up just a short walk from Paul’s shop and more are planned. London is not Manhatten and skyscrapers are out of place here! Good luck to Paul (and others), one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

By: Londoner

Londoner — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 20:14:16 +0000

What a nice guy!

I sincerely hope that he and others in similar circumstances manage to overcome the difficulties ahead.

Sadly, I do not share their faith in possible Government intervention. This Government is more interested in big business, and any reference to “hard working people” inevitably turns out to be empty rhetoric.

By: pauline taylor

pauline taylor — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 18:42:25 +0000

Well done Paul, and good luck with getting business rates reduced for small businesses. You have all my sympathy as I too run a small business. We have paper bags for our books that customers buy, and one man told me that they are so pretty that he uses them as lampshades!!

By: janet green

janet green — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 16:37:23 +0000

Well done, Paul. Let’s hope it makes a difference.

By: Joan KULUKUNDIS

Joan KULUKUNDIS — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 15:40:23 +0000

Let us hope that the government listens!
Small business are often what keeps an area alive!
Rents should be controlled to assist.
Well done taking it up with the minister and good luck!

By: Shawdian

Shawdian — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 14:47:40 +0000

£500 OUTRAGE

Well done Paul! But I am horrified and very angry that businesses like this are being charged
a heafty extra £500 per week when it is more sensible to up charges in small amounts over a period of time. I am still upset about the lovely famous old book shops in Charing Cross closing down because of this same ourtrage. Book shops I loved and would spend hundreds of pounds, these businesses were a part of London even people from around the world loved to visit on their trips to England. Now most are glass fronted veggie bars one week and something else the next. We should be helping long standing businesses like Paul Gardners, not putting them out of business. Will keep our fingers crossed ¥

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:13:55 +0000

Hurrah and huzzah, for Paul. Sending high hopes from the Hudson River Valley in New York.
There is nothing quite like a personal/personable Ambassador showing up at 10 Downing
Street (with a sample case!!) to put a face on the issue of Entrepreneurship. I have watched the video about Paul’s shop, on this blog site, and have always thought……”Now, THAT’s my
kind of place”. With all my heart, I hope that ALL governments support small businesses, and allow all of us who are self-employed to thrive and make our own way.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 12:15:35 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, thanks for yet another great human story. I wish Paul and the Guild the best.

The circumstances for small business folks on this side of the pond are similar – unfortunately. But what a thrill to be invited to Downing Street…

By: Joan

Joan — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 10:07:28 +0000

The harsh face of government. I notice the word community is missing from Mrs May’s tribute to small businesses. Paul’s business ticks so many boxes environment (paper bags are the future), community and service orientated. I am so sorry he could be priced out by such a hike in rates.