Breaking out of the business bubble

This week I’ve been asked to fly to Abu Dhabi to speak at a youth entrepreneurship conference. So, having formerly been a youth and now an entrepreneur, I knew I was the right lady for the job. It might seem a rather tenuous link; after all Wedge works in a hyper local way in London and a few parts of the UK. However, I promise you this isn’t some folly to get some winter sun whilst the team back at Wedge HQ are busy working on The King of Camden Awards to celebrate the best businesses in Camden Town, the launch of a bigger & better London Wedge supplement in the Big Issue and continuing to promote local businesses across the capital.

The reason is this: I was intrigued by the idea of bringing early-stage business folk, and those interested in becoming one, together from across the world. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble when you’re in business; not only by your company’s limitations and potential but also the way that business is done in your culture. Look at how revolutionary the internet has been in changing the way business is done. Although it doesn’t replace traditional concepts of business, it sharpens, it enhances and it inspires how business is done. And it is these things that I am hoping to get from this conference.

Diana

Competition Commission - we need a more holistic approach

Last week I spent £65.50 on my shopping. I'm an extravagant shopper, but I like to have lots of goodies to eat in my house of 2 1/2 people. I went to 5 of my local shops. I bought some succulent mangoes, some vivid fragrant coriander and some organic, flavourful beef amongst other things. I know all of my shop keepers even though I've lived in my area for only 2 months. My son was cuddled and cooed over. Several sweets were offered. My newsagent told me about the ins and outs of running a marathon. I met a mother from our nursery.

It took me 40 minutes door to door and I didn't drive. I have done a similar shop at Waitrose (£95) and at Tesco (£78). Neither competes in terms of quality of fruit, veg, meat and fish in my eyes.

I am lucky. I have lots of local shops near me. I keep an eye on the prices and know which shops are better for which. People continue to flock to this area and the ready made community that these little shops create. My mother lives in an area with no local shops. Her nearest is a massive Tesco. She doesn't know anyone in her area (except her immediate neighbours). She has been there 15 years.

Having lots of local shops fosters a sense of community. We therefore have to look much closer at the role shops play. We can't thrown their role in the landscape of our lives off lightly. This report is short sighted. Let's look at the dominating role they play in our communities and take a more holistic approach.