Footfall and tax rises discussed as MP visits M&S

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has visited M&S in Ilkley to meet the team and have a look around the store.

Mr Moore was joined by Store Manager Charlotte Clayton and Public Affairs Manager Sonia Kharaud for a tour of the premises, meeting a number of staff members along the way, including both front- and back-of-house assistants.

Charlotte joined M&S 10 years ago and has worked her way up to her current role through the ‘Step into Store Manager’ programme, which offers hands-on experience, mentoring and training to build the skills needed to run a store within 12 months.

The local MP also sat down with Charlotte and Sonia to hear about the latest updates and current challenges facing both the regional store and the business nationally. In particular, issues were highlighted regarding the impact of recent increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions, business rates, and the minimum wage.

In his role as Shadow Farming Minister, Mr Moore was also keen to hear from Sonia about M&S’s engagement with the farming community, particularly regarding the challenges they are currently facing and efforts to improve the UK’s agrifood supply chain.

At a local level, the discussed concerns about potential decreases in footfall into the store following Bradford Council’s recent decision to remove one hour of free parking across Ilkley.

Mr Moore shared these concerns and pledged to keep pushing the Council to reconsider the decision.

Commenting on the visit, Robbie Moore MP said:

“It was a pleasure to visit M&S Ilkley for a tour of the store and to meet with the brilliant team, who really go above and beyond in their work. It was good to sit down with Charlotte and Sonia to discuss some of the challenges facing M&S both locally and nationally.

The Government’s decision to hike employers’ National Insurance contributions and business rates – which, in my view, should be reversed – is putting real pressure on businesses both big and small, alongside other rising costs such as the increase in the minimum wage.

In addition, we had a productive discussion on a range of other issues, from farming to parking in Ilkley. It was great to meet with them, and I look forward to working together with M&S going forward.”