RE: Marstons Beer in Lidl Germany21 Sep 2018 10:18
MoneyG, like I posted, not wishing to get drawn into a Brexit debate. Retailers were struggling long before 2016 due to the increase in online shopping. I live for most of the year in Northern France and voted to remain. However, and this is not my view, quite a few of my French friends and neighbours see the EU in a different light since the vote. Not all positive.
If we have nothing to sell then we will have to train our children and young adults by way of apprenticeships and give them the skills to manufacture goods. Many years ago I had a business in the UK which required a team of plasterers. I had 4 apprentices that were released once a week for college work. However, the college could not provide a lecturer. Due to the shortages of skilled trade they were earning more money on site than in a classroom. It became more economical to employ from outside of the UK. We have become too dependant on Europe for our goods and services.
When I look at my local supermarket all the fresh produce is locally sourced. If I need trades they are all local French businesses trained in the 'old fashion traditional way'. Local wine is given the prime promotional place within the store together with the regional cheese.
Your quite right to point out failing businesses in the UK, maybe we need a different approach. I would blame business rates as the main reason together with lease costs. Many CEO's are using Brexit for poor performance when in reality it is bad business decisions. The press in the UK has polarised views so I know my response is pointless and will refrain from posting on this bb topics that are not relevant to MARS.