Campaigns
Championing independent retailers
at every level of government
The Fed ensures independent retailers’ voices are heard at every level of government, influencing policies that protect and support your business.
From lobbying for security grants for small business premises protection, to producing practical guides like our vape guide, we make sure members stay informed, supported, and represented on the issues that matter most.
For any questions about the Fed’s Political Engagement work,
please contact our Political Engagement Coordinator douglas.oliver@nfrn.org.uk
Getting involved
Latest issues
Safe, Secure, Supported
Last year, 72% of our members experienced retail crime while 91% demanded more visible police presence. Retail crime rose 50% costing £4bn in losses and security measures, with costs passed to consumers.
We welcome recent government action on retail worker assault laws and removing theft prosecution thresholds, but more is needed.
Retail theft
Theft and robbery against retailers have reached record levels, rising 5% in the latest government data for year ending September 2025, following a 20% rise in the preceding year.
When last surveyed, 72% of Fed members reported direct experience of retail crime in the year beforehand. This is not acceptable. We propose the government establishes grants of up to £1,500 to help small businesses improve their security measures.
The Fed continues to campaign for an increased police presence on the high street, and a security grant where independent retailers will have the capacity to upgrade their security efforts.
In 2025, the Fed welcomed The Crime and Policing Bill, which is at the heart of what the government calls its “Safer Streets” plan. The bill includes the introduction of a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker and scrapping a 2014 law that classified shoplifting of items worth under £200 as less serious than other retail theft – making them less of a priority for the police.
Vape Ban
In June 2025, single-use vapes were banned in the UK, a legislation change which affected the majority of independent retailers.
The Fed designed and created a vape guide containing information around the ban and what it meant for members and the wider retail sector.