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The Lodge at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst buzzed with excitement. The Pro Mobile 2025 Awards were in full swing, celebrating the best and brightest in the
mobile DJ industry.
But amidst the cheers and applause, one acceptance speech stood out. Mike Stead, who was unable to make an in-person appearance but sent in a video for broadcast during the awards ceremony, held his award aloft, not just in triumph, but in a passionate appeal. "I'm absolutely thrilled to bits," he exclaimed in his video acceptance, "but I’d really like to start a conversation."
This wasn't just a moment of personal victory; it was a plea, a rallying cry for the lifeblood of the UK’s high streets: its customers. In a video which was shot in several places and using his local neighbourhood as a backdrop, Mike delivered an acceptance speech which will be long remembered for its clarity.
"All of these people here," Mike gesturing towards his fellow retailers, "are really passionate about what they do." Yet, a chilling prophecy delivered to him some years previously, echoed in his mind: "Retail's dead. You need to get out of it while you can." A grim prediction, but one that Mike Stead has chosen to resolutely refuse to accept.
The truth, as Mike's speech laid bare, is stark: the landscape of UK retail is changing. The rise of online giants and the lure of cheaper imports from overseas have created a perfect storm, threatening the very existence of local shops.
"What's the answer?" Mike asked, his voice filled with urgency. "It's simple: UK shops need UK customers."
The Economic Ripple Effect: A Cycle of Prosperity
As Mike eloquently explained, when you spend your money at a local store, it doesn’t vanish into a corporate abyss. It circulates, revitalising the local economy. The retailer earns a living, pays their bills, and, crucially, pays their taxes. These taxes fund essential services, from schools and hospitals to roads and infrastructure. But the cycle doesn’t end there. The retailer, in turn, spends their earnings at other local businesses, creating a “multiplier effect” that benefits everyone.
"When you spend your money in the UK with UK retailers, Mike emphasised, "this is what happens." He painted a vivid picture of a local economy where money "gets sloshed round in the system," benefiting everyone from the shopkeeper to the local pub owner.
Conversely, every pound spent overseas is a pound lost to the UK economy. It’s a pound that won’t fund local jobs, won’t pay local taxes, and won’t circulate within the community.
The Community’s Beating Heart: More Than Just Transactions
Local shops, as Mike highlighted, are more than just places to buy goods; they’re hubs of community life. They’re where you bump into neighbours, friends, colleagues and share stories, forge connections. Think of the independent bookshop with its knowledgeable owner who recommends the perfect read, or the family-run deli that remembers your favourite sandwich. These are the experiences that big corporations and online retailers can’t replicate.
"If you want your shops in the High Street in general," Mike urged, "we need to support them." When local shops close, a piece of the community dies with them. The high street becomes a ghost town, devoid of life and character. The sense of belonging fades, and the community weakens.
The Environmental Footprint: A Sustainable Choice
Supporting local retailers, as Mike suggested, is also an act of environmental responsibility. Products sourced locally travel fewer miles, reducing the carbon footprint.
Local businesses are often more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging or sourcing from ethical suppliers.
The Power of Personal Connection: Beyond Customer Service
Local retailers, like Mike himself, offer a level of personalised service that’s impossible to find online or in large chains. They know their customers, their preferences, and their needs. They’re invested in the community and genuinely care about their customers’ satisfaction.
Imagine needing a last-minute gift. A local shopkeeper might stay open late or offer to deliver it themselves. This kind of dedication is the hallmark of local retail.
Practical Steps to Make a Difference: A Collective Effort
As a local business yourself you support local retailers, here are a few practical steps:
Make a conscious effort to shop locally: Before heading to a chain store or online, see if you can find what you need at a local shop.
Explore your local high street: Discover the hidden gems in your neighbourhood.
Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about your favourite local shops.
Leave positive reviews: Online reviews can make a big difference to small businesses.
Attend local events: Support local businesses by attending community events and markets.
A Call to Action: Share the Message
The future of UK retail is in our hands. We have the power to keep our high streets vibrant and our communities strong. Let’s choose to support local businesses, to keep our money circulating within our own economy, and to preserve the unique character of our neighbourhoods.
"I wanted to start a conversation," Mike Stead reiterated. "And I hope some of you have videoed this and what would be great is if you can share it." His call was clear: share the message, spread the word, and make a difference. Because, as Mike passionately declared, "When we’re all doing well, we’re all doing well."
mobile DJ industry.
But amidst the cheers and applause, one acceptance speech stood out. Mike Stead, who was unable to make an in-person appearance but sent in a video for broadcast during the awards ceremony, held his award aloft, not just in triumph, but in a passionate appeal. "I'm absolutely thrilled to bits," he exclaimed in his video acceptance, "but I’d really like to start a conversation."
This wasn't just a moment of personal victory; it was a plea, a rallying cry for the lifeblood of the UK’s high streets: its customers. In a video which was shot in several places and using his local neighbourhood as a backdrop, Mike delivered an acceptance speech which will be long remembered for its clarity.
"All of these people here," Mike gesturing towards his fellow retailers, "are really passionate about what they do." Yet, a chilling prophecy delivered to him some years previously, echoed in his mind: "Retail's dead. You need to get out of it while you can." A grim prediction, but one that Mike Stead has chosen to resolutely refuse to accept.
The truth, as Mike's speech laid bare, is stark: the landscape of UK retail is changing. The rise of online giants and the lure of cheaper imports from overseas have created a perfect storm, threatening the very existence of local shops.
"What's the answer?" Mike asked, his voice filled with urgency. "It's simple: UK shops need UK customers."
As Mike eloquently explained, when you spend your money at a local store, it doesn’t vanish into a corporate abyss. It circulates, revitalising the local economy. The retailer earns a living, pays their bills, and, crucially, pays their taxes. These taxes fund essential services, from schools and hospitals to roads and infrastructure. But the cycle doesn’t end there. The retailer, in turn, spends their earnings at other local businesses, creating a “multiplier effect” that benefits everyone.
"When you spend your money in the UK with UK retailers, Mike emphasised, "this is what happens." He painted a vivid picture of a local economy where money "gets sloshed round in the system," benefiting everyone from the shopkeeper to the local pub owner.
Conversely, every pound spent overseas is a pound lost to the UK economy. It’s a pound that won’t fund local jobs, won’t pay local taxes, and won’t circulate within the community.
The Community’s Beating Heart: More Than Just Transactions
Local shops, as Mike highlighted, are more than just places to buy goods; they’re hubs of community life. They’re where you bump into neighbours, friends, colleagues and share stories, forge connections. Think of the independent bookshop with its knowledgeable owner who recommends the perfect read, or the family-run deli that remembers your favourite sandwich. These are the experiences that big corporations and online retailers can’t replicate.
"If you want your shops in the High Street in general," Mike urged, "we need to support them." When local shops close, a piece of the community dies with them. The high street becomes a ghost town, devoid of life and character. The sense of belonging fades, and the community weakens.
The Environmental Footprint: A Sustainable Choice
Supporting local retailers, as Mike suggested, is also an act of environmental responsibility. Products sourced locally travel fewer miles, reducing the carbon footprint.
Local businesses are often more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging or sourcing from ethical suppliers.
The Power of Personal Connection: Beyond Customer Service
Local retailers, like Mike himself, offer a level of personalised service that’s impossible to find online or in large chains. They know their customers, their preferences, and their needs. They’re invested in the community and genuinely care about their customers’ satisfaction.
Imagine needing a last-minute gift. A local shopkeeper might stay open late or offer to deliver it themselves. This kind of dedication is the hallmark of local retail.
Practical Steps to Make a Difference: A Collective Effort
As a local business yourself you support local retailers, here are a few practical steps:
A Call to Action: Share the Message
The future of UK retail is in our hands. We have the power to keep our high streets vibrant and our communities strong. Let’s choose to support local businesses, to keep our money circulating within our own economy, and to preserve the unique character of our neighbourhoods.
"I wanted to start a conversation," Mike Stead reiterated. "And I hope some of you have videoed this and what would be great is if you can share it." His call was clear: share the message, spread the word, and make a difference. Because, as Mike passionately declared, "When we’re all doing well, we’re all doing well."
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 131, Pages 54-55.
