Come and check it out

As some of you may already be aware, I have taken on the role of Chairing the Checkout Scotland music festival on behalf of the Scottish committee of industry charity GroceryAid. It’s not I role I took on lightly and I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been daunting at times since I took over at the tail end of last year.

Organising an event of this scale, finding sponsors, selling tickets, sourcing acts to appear on stage and more has been a massive task for the entire committee – and don’t forget that all of them are volunteers with full-time jobs.

But the reason we all took on the task is because we believe in what GroceryAid is trying to achieve and because we all feel a responsibility to everyone in the convenience trade who has fallen on hard times, often through no fault of their own.

GroceryAid provides invaluable financial, practical and emotional support to industry colleagues who need a little help. And let’s be honest, we all need a little help sometimes and there’s certainly no shame in that.

What’s special about Checkout is that in just a few years it has turbocharged awareness of the charity and how it can help those in need. Yes, the event helps raise much-needed funds too, but the core function of Checkout is to let as many people as possible know that there is help there if they need it, there is someone to turn to when life gets tough, no matter the reason.

And it’s working where it matters most. The number of applications for support from colleagues in Scotland has gone through the roof since Checkout started. It’s clearly not great news that so many colleagues need support, but on the flipside, the growth in applications reflects the fact that more people than ever now know they can turn to GroceryAid.

Business is tough, the market is tough, and life can be tough – for all of us. But we’re a retail family and we need to look after our own. That’s one of the many things that makes local retailing special. So, if you are in the blessed position of being able to show a little compassion and a little love to people who really need your help, please consider doing so.

And by coming along to Checkout, not only will you be playing an active, positive role in the wider local retailing community in Scotland, you’ll also have a banging day out, catch up with pals, let your hair down and get the chance to see Scottish star Callum Beattie and other fantastic acts into the bargain. So please do email me – abegley@55north.com – if you want to buy some tickets.

Antony Begley, Publishing Director, SLR