Event title: "Independent retail: A cornerstone of vibrant local communities in Europe"
Date: Wednesday 5 February 2025 from 18:00 until 21:00
Location: European Parliament, Members Salon, Brussels
Organiser: Independent Retail Europe in partnership with SME Connect
Hosting MEP: Jörgen WARBORN (EPP, Sweden)
Despite the fact that SMEs represent 99% of EU businesses, and are the backbone of the EU economy, small business rarely have an opportunity to directly engage with EU policy makers; the EU is often far from their bed. In this event, we wish to bring together MEPs with SME retailers and representatives of groups of independent retailers and retail associations from across Europe, to present and discuss the business model of groups of independent retailers and the contribution of SME retailers to local development. The long-established business model of groups of independent retailers is commonly used across Europe but remains under-recognised by European policy makers for its critical role in SME retail competitiveness, the creation of jobs and efficient supply chains. In a panel discussion, four of the SME retailers will talk with MEPs about their businesses, their contribution to their local communities and their key challenges, and how EU policymakers can support them in this new EU mandate. After the panel discussion, retailers and group and association representatives are looking forward to discussing with their local MEPs over a drink and a bite.
Key topics:
- Competitiveness: What makes the unique business model of groups of independent retailers essential for the competitiveness of SME retail.
- Local impact: How do independent retailers support local communities and regional economies across Europe.
- EU policy support: How can MEPs support independent retailers and their groups in EU policy development.
Event agenda: see detailed programme here. The programme in a nutshell:
- Hosted by MEP Jörgen Warborn (EPP, Sweden) and with the participation of Dr. Horst Heitz (Chair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect)
- Fireside chat with Thomas Nonn, President of Independent Retail Europe
- Panel discussion with the MEPs and four retailers:
- Britta Goertz – Retailer, member of ANWR (Germany, non-food (shoes))
- Clara Medina Perdomo – Retailer, member of SPAR (Spain, Gran Canaria, food)
- Thierry Cotillard – Retailer, member & President of Groupement Mousquetaires (France, food and non-food)
- Thomas Widlund – Retailer, member of ICA (Sweden, food)
- Kristian Vigenin - MEP
- Q&A with the audience
- Followed by a networking session with drinks and food (as of 19.40)
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Practical information:
Should you require any further information from our secretariat, please contact us by e-mail (Laurence.Dessouroux@IndependentRetailEurope.eu).