The Fed Meets Robbie Moore MP in Yorkshire

(Left to right: Doug Oliver; Robbie Moore MP; shop owners Kishor and Hema Patel, at Riddlesden Convenience Store in West Yorkshire)

The Fed met with Robbie Moore MP at the business of Kishor and Hema Patel, Riddlesden Convenience Store, in the MP’s Keighley and Ilkley constituency on Wednesday, July 29, where they discussed some of the challenges facing small businesses, including rogue trade in tobacco as well as high energy and tax costs including the threat of rising business rate bills.

Mr Patel explained that he and his wife had operated the shop for the past 23 years and that he had experienced a growing number of challenges as a retailer. Also attending the meeting was Doug Oliver, the Fed’s Political Engagement Coordinator who spoke about the national context facing similar small businesses around Britain.

Mr Patel, who also serves as Vice President of the Fed’s Yorkshire District, focused on particular growing concern about trade lost to black market tobacco and also alcohol across West Yorkshire and the rest of northern England and the need for proper resourcing for trading standards and greater strategic collaboration between them, the police and other branches of law enforcement. He said that this was a particular concern as there was a range of regulatory reforms planned as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which completed its passage of Parliament in April. The Fed team also discussed concerns about smuggled alcohol, following the end of the Alcohol Duty Stamp Scheme in May 2025, which meant stronger alcoholic items above 30% ABV were no longer physically stamped for duty.

Mr Patel also touched on his concern about the spectre of higher National Insurance Contributions which made it more expensive for him to consider employing new staff, as well as concern about rising business rate bills and the fact the current business rate regime disincentivised further investment in his business because it would raise the rateable value of his business, making it more likely he would lose his small business rates relief and be in scope to pay rate bills. Mr Oliver said that the Fed had engaged with the new Labour Government led by Andy Burnham MP and was looking for more information about its pledge to reform business rate ahead of the budget later in the year and this was a growing concern for Fed members.

(Left to right: Doug Oliver; Robbie Moore MP and Kishor Patel)

Mr Patel and Mr Oliver also spoke about the work the Fed was doing to help members prepare for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for recycling bottles and cans when it goes live in October next year and trying to ensure it is cost-neutral for retailers. Mr Patel spoke about various options he might consider for introducing a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) for the shop or possibly seeking an exemption and not participating in DRS, depending on overall costs.

Commenting, Mr Moore said: “It was a pleasure to meet Kishor and Hema, alongside Doug from the Federation of Independent Retail Businesses, to discuss the current challenges facing their business. Riddlesden Convenience Store is one of many local independent retailers facing pressure from increased taxes, higher energy costs and competition from illegal tobacco trade and alcohol products being sold elsewhere.”

Mr and Mrs Patel said: “It was a very useful discussion and we would like to thank Robbie for this time and interest. Sadly business has become increasingly tough, but we know how important it its that the voice of retailers is clearly heard in Parliament through our MP.”