Photo – Alan Mak MP with staff at the Havant Subway store
Havant MP Alan Mak visited the town’s Subway branch as part of his push to support small businesses and make Havant into a ‘destination’ for local residents and shoppers. The franchise on West Street has proven a hit with local residents and looks set to benefit from the planned redevelopments around the Meridian Centre.
Mak met with Havant store franchisees Sarah and Luke Kendall and their staff before sampling one of the businesses popular ‘subs’. The success of the Havant store, and the great staff team there has encouraged the Kendalls to open up a new store in Southsea, extending the franchise further across the Solent region.
Mak said: “I thoroughly enjoyed stopping in at my local Subway, which is one of the most successful stores across the Solent region. Ryan and his team are leading the way with an excellent standard of service and delicious food – which has taken Havant by storm.”
The Havant MP added: “the franchise model used by Subway and other retail companies allows Havant to benefit from the attraction of national and international brands whilst retaining local interest and an element of small business initiative. Businesses such as these are helping to put Havant on the map as a real destination for shoppers and an attractive location for investment.”
Sarah and Luke Kendall, Franchisees of Havant’s Subway franchise and Hayling residents, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome our local MP Alan Mak to the Havant store, which is one of the most successful in the region.”
They added: “It is great to see Alan supporting small businesses and franchisees such as ourselves. As the regeneration of Havant town centre continues, we are looking to be at the heart of the drive to make the town a real destination for shoppers and local residents.”
Alan is a keen supporter of small businesses, enterprise and retail, making them key priorities in his work as MP for Havant. Mak is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for: Entrepreneurship; Market Towns and Town Centres; Small Businesses; Retail and Small Shops to name but a few.
He has also launched the first-ever Havant Small Business Awards, designed to recognise the importance of local enterprise as the backbone of the economy in Havant. Residents are invited to nominate their favourite local businesses in 12 categories, with the awards ceremony taking place at South Downs College on Friday 29th April. More information can be found at www.alanmak.org.uk.