Former President, Jason Birks, meets Grahame Morris MP in Co Durham

(Left to right: Jason Birks; Kayleigh Shaw and Grahame Morris MP). 

The former National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) Jason Birks, met with Grahame Morris MP in Horden in County Durham on Friday 7 August where they discussed the impact of rogue trade on responsible retailers, as well as rising inflation in energy bills, both locally and across the UK.

Mr Morris has served as Labour MP for Easington in the Northeast of England since 2005 and had previously met with Mr Birks in Parliament when he has represented the Fed in previous lobbying work for small shops. Mr Birks has decades of experience as a retailer and having served as the Fed’s National President between 2022-2023, as well as a current member of the Fed’s National Executive Committee. Also attending the meeting was Kayleigh Shaw, who is the Fed’s Member Development Executive and helps the Fed’s work supporting retailers across the region.

Mr Birks spoke to Mr Morris about the rising challenge of rogue trade in illegal tobacco on the High Street and the Fed’s continued calls to ensure that national and local government do more to help ensure local authority trading standards have the resources they need to face up to this challenge. Fed lobbying on this issue has included a meeting with the Home Office last year, recent correspondence to new members of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government, and support for new measures the government is considering to introduce tougher closure orders on rogue traders.

Mr Birks also passed on feedback about rising shop theft, which remains a challenge for his business and those across the UK.

(Jason Birks and Grahame Morris MP at Mosci’s Convenience Store in Horden). 

In addition, Mr Birks spoke of concern about high energy costs for small independent retailers, pointing out the energy intensive nature of businesses like his – typical of Fed members – which is reliant on refrigeration of perishable goods, which must be powered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mr Birks said that he had particular concern as he was about to enter into a new energy contract, and there was nervousness amongst members throughout the country, with energy price volatility following wars in Iran and Ukraine.

Mr Birks commented: “It was a very positive meeting and I was able to explain my work as former National President and current national Executive Committee member, show Grahame the shop, talk about the way the Fed is shining a spotlight on the problem of theft as well as rogue trade on the high street, along with concerns about rising energy bills. Grahame is welcome to visit the shop at any time and I look forward to working with him and Fed colleagues on the issues we discussed, once Parliament reconvenes in the Autumn.”

Mr Morris added: “I would like to thank Jason and Kayleigh for their warm welcome and for sharing their valuable insights into the challenges facing independent retailers, both here in County Durham and across the UK. Small shops are at the heart of our communities, providing local jobs, essential services and helping to sustain our high streets.

“It is clear that issues such as retail crime, the growth of the illicit tobacco trade and rising energy costs are placing increasing pressure on responsible businesses. Independent retailers should not be left to tackle these challenges alone.

“I look forward to working with the Federation of Independent Retailers and parliamentary colleagues after the summer recess to ensure these concerns are raised with ministers and that independent retailers receive the support they need to continue serving our communities and local economies.”