THE OWNER of an independent pizzeria has hit out at the University of Southampton Students' Union for choosing to work with Domino’s.
David Hearth, owner of Popsi’s in Bedford Place, has slammed the university’s decision to strike a deal with the national company for its freshers fair.
The 38-year-old was sent an email by the university offering him the opportunity to share his brand at the fair.
However, when David accepted the offer a week later, the university said Popsi’s was invited “by mistake.”
'Appalled by the decision'
David said: “Southampton University told us they had an exclusivity deal with Domino’s for the event so couldn’t have other pizzerias there.
“I said not only are you choosing a massive corporation over a Southampton business, but you also contacted us.
“We understand it’s business but there wasn’t a need for it.
"Lots of people said they are very shocked by their decision and are appalled by it.”
This comes as soaring energy prices add mounting pressure to businesses in Southampton and beyond.
The current energy bill price cap is £1,971 a year, rising to £3,549 as of October 1.
The sharp increase in prices forced wholefoods store Rice Up in the city centre to close its doors - and David is keen to avoid the same fate.
READ MORE: Southampton independent forced to close after soaring energy prices
He said: “It's really concerning, especially as our gas bill will cost £60k next year, so it has made things very difficult.
“It’s all a perfect storm so this decision was a kick in the teeth, especially as Popsi’s was made for students.
“It’s very concerning times and we don’t want to be kicked down.”
'Committed to support independent businesses'
Southampton University Students’ Union (SUSU), which is organising the fair, said they have apologised to David for the error.
A spokesperson said: “Like many other Students’ Unions, SUSU has partnered with Domino’s for a number of years to increase the income available for funding student activities and part of that arrangement is an exclusivity clause.
“Unfortunately, human error meant that Popsi’s were invited to this year’s freshers fair by mistake and when this came to light it was immediately corrected as their attendance would have been in breach of the contract with Domino’s.
READ NEXT: New clothes swap shop opens in Southampton
“We have explained the situation and apologised to Popsi’s.
“As a local charity ourselves, the Students’ Union is committed to finding ways to support and work with local, independent businesses and we are identifying ways to do this without breaching any existing contracts.”
In response to the university’s decision, David and other independent business owners have organised a free freshers fair for all students at The Hobbit pub on October 2.
More details on this will be released nearer the time.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel