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Superdrug CEO Peter Macnab has called on the new Labour government to reform business rates in an interview with This is Money, after the King’s Speech last week (17 July) omitted the subject.
Macnab, who believes change is essential for the creation of “vibrant” shopping hubs throughout the country, said that the current state of business rates is “such an unfair burden on retail”.
The interview came as Superdrug celebrates its 60th anniversary today (23 July).
He also described restrictions around hiring and funding apprenticeships as “extremely difficult”, particularly since Superdrug will be opening more stores and will want to hire people for them.
While Macnab praised the King’s Speech for making attacking or abusing of shop workers its own standalone offence, he urged the government to also ditch tax charges on essentials like toothpaste and sunscreen.
Superdrug has campaigned for these changes to essential health products since the tampon tax was scrapped.
In addition, Macnab touched upon Superdrug’s plans to meet the high demand left from the 432 high street pharmacy closures last year.
Macnab said: “Pharmacists are experts at what they do and we want to make better use of them.”
