The Fed and IRC Survey on economic outlook for Independent Retailers

The Fed is once again collaborating with other independent retail trade bodies who are in the Independent Retailers Confederation (The IRC) on a survey to understand the economic outlook facing independent retailers.

The Survey link for Q2 of 2026 – the period from April to June this year – is now live: link for the survey is here. 

Fed members are encouraged to complete this survey now and it will remain live until 11.59pm on 19^থা July 2026.

The survey has been used in the past to understand the challenges facing small independents and then use this data to influence government through lobbying, for example when we used it to raise concern about the rise in business rates following the start of the new financial year in April. Whilst the IRC has a wide membership, many other trade bodies associated with it have similar concerns to Fed members about topics like retail crime, rising taxation facing business and regulatory change.

For more information, Fed members can contact our Political Engagement Coordinator to understand our work for small shops, both with the IRC and independently: douglas.oliver@nfrn.org.uk If you are interested in learning more about the IRC, please visit its website.