Monday (18 March) turned out to be a rather extra-ordinary day for independent gift retailer Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton. Not only did she receive the exciting news that her shop has been announced as a finalist in the Greats 2024 Best Retailer Initiative category, but she also did her first ‘live’ TV interview on GB News.
“I was among the 200 delegates at a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) bootcamp, which was held at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry,” explains Jo. “Rishi Sunak was closeby, giving an important speech at a Business Connect conference. A GB news team came into the FSB event to interview a handful of small businesses, asking them what impact the PM’s announcements would have for them.
“Among Rishi Sunak’s key statements had been the announcement of 20,000 fully paid apprenticeships, that the VAT threshold was being increased to £90k for small businesses. and that there will be Women in Business Taskforce set up,” highlighted Jo.
Asked about the apprenticeship scheme, Jo explained that she had taken on an apprentice before. “She went on to do amazing things and I would like to do that again,” she told Pip. “Costs have been at the forefront, and I have had to budget the business as it is at the moment, so to have a fully funded apprentice would be fantastic for us.”
She added that the announcement about the Women In Business task force announcement was good news, but pointed out: “we need to know more about that. We could have done with this quite a few months ago.”
To see interview in full, click on the link below:
Continued Jo: “During the prep, and following the interview, I was asked if the crew could visit my shop to follow up. GB news presenter Pip Thomson arrived, and I was suddenly ‘live’, explaining again how the PM’s announcements could help my business, and also, what help I would like to see.
“I suggested a stepped VAT threshold, as businesses only just above the new threshold really struggle in comparison to say one that’s taking over a £million in turnover. I also mentioned the impact of utilities on businesses, and that some assistance with these staggering costs would be very welcome.
“Just minutes before the ‘live’ interview I had read the amazing news that we had been selected as a finalist in the Greats gift retailer awards. I told Pip, and she mentioned that in the introduction to the feature, which was an added bonus!”
Top: Joco’s Jo Williams being interviewed by GB News on Monday (18 March).
