23-25_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 26/07/2024 11:36 Page 1
VIEWPOINTS
Prime Minister’s Question Time
With the General Election result on July 5 heralding a change in Government, PG asked those from the greeting card community what would be on their wishlist for the new Cabinet to help our industry, the retailing community, their business and them personally.
Seth Woodmansterne,
Michael Apter,
managing director of Woodmansterne Publications
owner of Paper Tiger, four shops in Edinburgh
“Regardless of political persuasions, aren’t we all looking for some stability, sensible government and genuine clear leadership for these tumultuous times? My perennial complaint with our politics is how short-term and wayward the focus can be – we have big challenges (the economy, NHS, taxes and costs, war, climate change etc) that need long-term, creative thinking and diligent delivery.” Industry Wishes: “Despite our brilliant efforts as a GCA, Ofcom is failing in its duty as Ombudsman to uphold the public service commitment of the Royal Mail. By sitting idly by, Ofcom is allowing Royal Mail’s continued poor performance to erode public trust. We now look to this new government to prioritise our vital public postal service. Warm words from a prospective new owner are not enough to rescue this!” Retailer Wishes: “It’s been a long time coming, but we need the new government to deliver a modified business rates system that puts right the current imbalance of tax for retailers vs their contribution to the UK economy.” Personal Wishes: “Having just become a father for the first time, I know more than ever that we need positivity and leadership to ensure a safe and fun future for the next generations!” Above: Seth Woodmansterne with his baby son. Left: Like many others, Seth seeks assurance from the Government to prioritise our vital public postal service.
Industry Wishes: “Resolve the Royal Mail situation and protect the USO.” Retailer Wishes: “The top one has to be to reform business rates across the whole of the UK. It would be helpful if the threshold for Corporation Tax for SMEs was raised, National Insurance contributions for SMEs were reduced, and there were fair business energy price caps. And in terms of stimulating growth and consumer confidence - what about a VAT drop!?” Your Business Wishes: “All of the above, plus Above: Michael calls for a better working relationship between Westminister and the Scottish to see a better working relationship with the Parliament in Holyrood government at Holyrood to ensure that UK (pictured). Below: Michael Apter and government initiatives are passed onto Scottish colleagues outside a Paper Tiger shop celebrating National businesses, which was not the case through the Stationery Week. pandemic.” Personal Wishes: “The 'growth' agenda in the manifesto needs to deliver visible prosperity in every community. Here in Scotland, some of the key policy areas are devolved to Holyrood which has a SNP majority. There have been significant problems with the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood and it was something of a relief to see Keir Starmer visit all of the Home Nations as soon as he could. I have school age children, a daughter in her twenties, and increasingly elderly parents and in-laws. Across the UK, the NHS needs a complete overhaul of systems and procedures to focus on health and wellbeing and bring the organisation into the 21st century. The education system, from nursery through to post-graduate study needs a more coherent and considered approach to the curriculum and skills gaps, but also needs to deliver inclusive basic schooling that works for children from every background and develops future citizens. Young people need access to affordable property for rental or purchase. Prosperity. Health and wellbeing. Education. Affordable homes. These are actions that can begin to heal a society that has struggled to be decent to themselves and each other over the past decade or so.” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 23