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Boris promises support for London's small shops

Aug 05 2008

Boris promises support for London's small shops

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London mayor Boris Johnson has pledged to help the capital's small shops by ensuring more affordable small premises are available in new developments.

Under the news rules - part of Mr Johnson's strategy Planning for a Better London - developers of retail parks will have to sign contracts confirming they will include a number of affordable shop units.

He says he plans to champion the business interests of small firms in the capital, helping to make them successful.

Mr Johnson adds: 'Our small shops add real character and diversity to the capital's high streets but they are finding themselves squeezed out by competition from supermarkets and rising unsustainable rents.'

In response to the news, Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses says it is important to make sure small firms have a place in the development of the capital.

However, the British Retail Consortium has questioned where the funding for the move would come from and how a company would be defined as 'small'.

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