THE daughter of the Environment minister is taking on UK chain stores. Laura De Lisle, who has opened a luxury goods shop in Town, is keen to reverse the attitude that independent retailers cannot challenge the big guns.

‘It does frustrate me when people say that there’s nothing that you can do,’ she said. ‘There are measures we can take to protect the uniqueness of Guernsey.

‘You’re always going to have the big chains, but Guernsey could adopt strategies like I’ve seen in London – on Marylebone High Street, for example – where they’ve taken measures to ensure the diversification of retailers.

‘It’s a big issue and we’ve got to do something about it before it’s too late.’

She wants the island to adopt similar policies to Westminster City Council which are aimed at helping smaller shops.

Her father, Deputy David De Lisle, said he was looking at those.

A former Daily Mail commercial lawyer, she returned to the island to work as a legal eagle for Rothschild before pursuing her dream of combining the creative and commercial worlds and setting up her own shop, Plaisirs, in Market Street.

It took 18 months of planning and she believes it is a type of shop which is unique in Guernsey.

She said that if the right measures were taken, the island’s shopping areas could remain distinct from those of the UK.

Though chains are not directly banned from setting up shop, areas which fall under Westminster City Council’s jurisdiction have planning restrictions in place which favour independent retailers and ensure diversity of retailers.

‘Specific policies are amended to suit specific areas of the City,’ said a spokesman.

Miss De Lisle has received the backing of Chamber of Commerce director Barry Cash.

‘Anything that leads to diversity has to be a good thing,’ he said.

Miss De Lisle said that the cost of rent at the Market Street location was the main factor in her being able to set up the business.

‘It’s nearly impossible to be able to afford to rent premises in the High Street,’ she said.

‘I’ve got to be positive about trading here. I think this location’s got a lot going for it because of its proximity to the Markets.

‘This area is a gorgeous part of Town and people need to get on board if the regeneration that’s needed is to take place. It would be lovely to see it how it used to be.’

Miss De Lisle said that during the shop’s planning stages she had met the Young Business Group, which she had found very helpful.

‘That was great to meet people and make contacts,’ said Miss De Lisle.

Mr Cash said: ‘There’s a lot of advice for anyone who wants to take that leap into the unknown – which doesn’t have to be as daunting as you’d think if you take advantage of the advice that’s available.

‘It’s a case of doing your homework and giving it your best shot.’