Ascension : New manager for Georgetown Shop
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 30.06.2005 (Article Archived on 14.07.2005)
Last week, the Herald received information which suggested that the Solomon’s shop on Ascension was not doing well at all.
Reproduced from FINN (COM) Newsletter:
New manager for Georgetown Shop
Paul George
Last week, the Herald received information which suggested that the Solomon’s shop on Ascension was not doing well at all.
The information also suggested that Ian Gough, member of Solomon’s Corporate Management, will be leaving shortly for Ascension Island where he will take over as manager for the Solomon’s Georgetown shop, on a transfer from St.Helena. Solomon’s have owned the shop on Ascension since 2002 when it was sold by the AICS to the current owners.
The Ascension Islander (weekly newspaper) reported that several problems arose for Solomon’s directly after the sale of the shop. The shop’s main supplier, Tesco, withdrew from Ascension and then the shop’s long time manager, Mr Jenkins, resigned. Following this, the islands sole bread supplier, CSR, stopped their supply of bread to the shop. I spoke with the Managing Director of Solomon’s, Neil Wilshere and also to Ian. Neil confirmed that Ian is being transferred to Ascension shortly and will replace the current manager, Nicola, whom Neil says has done an excellent job given the unique trading environment faced Solomon’s on Ascension.
Ascension has become immensely more competitive since Solomon’s initially took over the Georgetown shop, the business has done well. He adds that every business has to stand on its own feet and therefore, its survival can only be based on its performance! And after 3 years, the business needs have changed, hence the reason for the transfer between Ian and Nicola.
Ian says that the transfer will be a big challenge for him and looks forward to making a positive contribution to the shop. He adds that even though the cost on which the shop operates is high, there is sufficient business on Ascension to allow the shop to continue. Neil said, “Solomon’s on St.Helena has never subsidised the Georgetown shop and this position will never change.”
The price of food provisions in shops on Ascension is quite highly priced, particularly the well-liked and much preferred name brands.
However, history sources indicate that prices were never this high for food provisions on Ascension and in fact, it was during the late years of the 19th century that food prices changed for the worse on Ascension. Ships calling at Ascension could purchase stores at government prices, which were much less than that charged by the merchants on St Helena. Following pressure from St.Helena’s merchants, the island’s charges were more than doubled, and very high harbour fees were introduced.
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