The Fed’s National President, Hemanshu Patel, catches up with Tony Vaughan MP

(Hemanshu Patel and Tony Vaughan MP at Saltwood General Stores in Kent). 

Hemanshu Patel, National President of the Fed, met with Folkestone and Hythe MP, Tony Vaughan, on Friday, October 16, where they discussed current government efforts to tackle the challenge of rogue trade on the high street.

The meeting at Mr Patel’s business, Saltwood General Stores, near Hythe, followed another discussion the two had in December last year and also comes as the Government prepares to introduce new measures that may help law enforcement act on the problem. The Fed has also raised these issues directly with the government, with Mr Patel speaking with Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP at the end of last year and again this week through the Fed’s membership of the Retail Crime Forum.

Earlier in the year, the government announced measures which will extend closure notices when law enforcement investigates illegal activity in shops as well as measures which will close those confirmed with links to illegal activity from six to twelve months. Meanwhile, the government is also looking at measures to more vigorously review planning permission for vape shops.

Mr Patel said: “The Fed represents thousands of responsible independent retailers across the country – as well as the wider independent retail sector – and we back measures the government is taking which will make it more difficult for criminals to trade on the High Street, particularly through closure notices and closure orders. Rogue trade funds organised crime, reduces the government’s tax base and also is driving many high street shops out of business. Meanwhile we share the government’s concern about the safety of the goods being sold on the black market which have no quality control.”

Mr Patel and Mr Vaughan also discussed the challenge of retail crime and theft, which has recently stopped accelerating, but continues to be close to record highs according to government data, with Mr Patel explaining the Fed’s continued concern about underreporting. He also explained the legal challenge retailers face when confronting shop keepers, as well as the length of time it can take to report a retail crime offence.

Finally, Mr Patel spoke of the Fed’s work to encourage independent retailers to prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which will launch on the 1^st October 2027. He explained the Fed’s advocacy to help retailers manage costs and also its work to encourage members to register, with Mr Patel having registered at his business recently.

Tony Vaughan MP said: “It was very useful to speak to Hemanshu again and congratulate him on becoming President of the Fed earlier this year. He raised some valuable points about rogue trade and retail crime. I am pleased the government is taking this matter seriously but I will pass on his feedback to government and colleagues in Parliament about how more can be done to tackle the blight of illicit trade.”

Hemanshu Patel added: “I would like to thank Tony for once again visiting my shop and showing his interest in the Federation’s important agenda. I said we also need to ensure our high streets maintain a balanced mix of businesses, that attracts people into our town centres. Vibrant high streets depend on a diverse range of businesses that give people reasons to visit and support their local communities.”