A few questions about the EETG

Hi Ed,





I think it would be great for the EETG to have its own premises and I anticipate that one day it will. One of our members thought that a street level shop front would be a good idea and I whole heartedly agree! I think a shop in each borough would be great. I think that the premises would be a place for people to drop in and find out about the latest local information, about new planning applications etc.. a space for meetings and trainings, and also an actual shop where local people can purchase items that will contribute to the running costs of the Guild. A social space for a cuppa would be great too! A place were ideas can be generated and actualised.





The top three issues the Guild members talk about are rents, rates and planning but there are a multitude of other issues such as parking and waste that affect the day to day running of small businesses. We are a new organisation, but our success to date has been based on a spirit of solidarity and through reciprocal relationships. We work together as members to think creatively about what we can do and involve other stakeholders such as local government in our activities. We work hard to hold political leaders to account on the work we undertake. We also keep an eye on policies that can be useful in addressing the members needs.





In the future I think their will be other similar organisations like us who understand the social and cultural value of locally owned businesses and their central importance to the local and national economy.





Very best,





K