NFRN’s Independent Retail Report lays bare the challenges facing members
Launched in the House of Commons on 14 May 2019, the NFRN Independent Retail Report focuses on the key issues affecting independent retailers.
On 14 May 2019, National President Mike Mitchelson laid bare the challenges facing NFRN members to MP David Hanson when the Federation’s Independent Retail Report was launched at a reception in the House of Commons.
The lunchtime event had been sponsored by Mr Hanson and fellow MP Laurence Robertson.
Addressing MPs, Mr Mitchelson said: “In the current trading environment, where our operating costs go ever upwards and our customers are tightening their belts, independent retailers face unprecedented challenges. As you will see from the Independent Retail Report these include crime and violence, business rates, competition and regulation, to name just a few.
“Do please take a copy and, having read it please think about the ways in which you can lend support – not just for the NFRN but for all the independent retailers in your constituencies who are at the heart of your communities.
“In this current trading environment retailers have never faced such a challenging time but with I am confident that with your help independent retailers everywhere can become stronger and face those challenges.”

Featured Tweets
Pleased to be able to co sponsor the launch of the @NFRN_Online retail report for 2019 -includes a large section on retail crime and I’m hoping for strong responses to the consultation on abuse of retail staff which closes next month-welcome to mike Mitchelson President 2018/19 pic.twitter.com/QsDeteBjpu
— David Hanson (@DavidHansonMP) May 14, 2019
Interesting read from @NFRN_online about the cost of retail crime on small retailers. The Government needs to wake up to the impact on small and medium businesses of ignoring theft. pic.twitter.com/SosI4K9EX9
— Virendra Sharma MP (@VirendraSharma) May 14, 2019
Pleased to attend the launch of the @NFRN_Online 2019 report, co-sponsored by @DavidHansonMP. The report has a strong focus on retail crime, and underlines the need for action to protect #retail workers. pic.twitter.com/pnl5bu6Dh0
— Chris Elmore MP (@CPJElmore) May 14, 2019