Prime Minister Visits David Sands Ltd
24 October 2009
ONE of Scotland's leading independent convenience store chains, David Sands Ltd, has today welcomed Prime Minister Gordon Brown on a visit to one the company's newest stores, Lauder Road, Kirkcaldy, as part of an official constituency tour (Saturday, 24th October).
Mr Brown, the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, was invited to officially open the 2300 sq ft store - which has been trading successfully in the local community since January - and unveil a commemorative plaque.
He was welcomed by David Sands, chief executive of the Kinross-based business, chairman Lindsay Sands, chief operating office Ewen Chisholm and store manager Dave McEwan who showed the Prime Minister round and introduced him to staff.
In recognition of David Sands Ltd's commitment to collaboration with local suppliers, Mr Brown had the opportunity to meet two suppliers - Puddledub Pork & Fifeshire Bacon Company of Auchtertool and Dunfermline-based Stephens Bakers, a long-time supplier to David Sands. The firms also conducted product sampling in the store.
David Sands, founded in Kinross 1812, currently operates 27 stores in Fife, Kinross and Perthshire. The £34m-turnover convenience store chain has also opened a new store in Markinch this year as it forges ahead with a growth strategy based on prudent expansion, investment in staff and a strong corporate social responsibility agenda.
With over 650 staff, David Sands is a major employer in Fife and prides itself on a strong training programme which enables a high percentage of employees to develop a fulfilling career in the retail industry with opportunities for promotion. Staff turnover is low with many having worked for the company for over 20 years.
The company has recently launched a new Trainee Manager Development Programme in association with Kirkcaldy's Adam Smith College.
David Sands said: "We were delighted when the opportunity arose to purchase this well-located store in Lauder Road. It is close to the newly extended Victoria Hospital and is a great example of our policy of trading right in the heart of the communities in which we operate.
"All of the 20-plus staff live locally, so they know their customers and their shopping habits which, in turn, enables us to build up a great rapport with the people who shop with us on a daily basis. That's what community retailing is all about and David Sands is very much a recognised leader in this sector."
During the store visit, the Prime Minister also heard about the company's responsible retailing strategy, including its 'Challenge 25' policy in relation to age-restricted sales, introduced in January 2008. This means that anyone who looks under the age of 25 must provide photographic ID before staff can sell alcohol.
He was also told about the company's environmental strategy. David Sands Ltd is committed to reducing its energy and packaging costs with all cardboard and plastic from stores, for example, taken to the head office and central distribution hub at Kinross then passed on for recycling.
Earlier this year, the company presented over £3000 to two cancer charities - Macmillan Cancer Support and the Association for International Cancer Research (AICR) - after it started charging 2p for plastic carrier bags. Customers also have the option of purchasing a more robust, reusable bag for a small charge.
"In the current financial climate, I think it is commendable that an independent, family-run business is growing with confidence and continuing to provide employment opportunities for local people," said David Sands.
"With our successful trading strategy based on a strong fresh food offer, locally sourced produce and innovations such as our popular 'Food to Go' sections offering hot and cold food to take away under our new Eat Fresh brand for immediate consumption, the business is going from strength to strength.
"Lauder Road, like our other stores, is a bright, modern shop providing local people with everything they need be that a pint of milk and loaf of bread, newspaper, lunchtime sandwich or fresh fruit and veg.
"We're absolutely delighted that the Prime Minister agreed to officially open the store for us and thank him for giving up his valuable time to get an insight into what a growing, independent company is doing to boost confidence in his constituency during these challenging economic times."
For further information, contact David Sands on 01577 865141 or Karen Peattie on 0141 773 1801/07947 075 937
http://www.david-sands.co.uk/
