The Fed’s Alpesh Patel discusses retailer concerns with Hertfordshire MP Victoria Collins

The Fed’s Alpesh Patel met with Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins at his business, Wheathampstead Post Office, in Hertfordshire, on Friday, May 29, where he discussed some of the opportunities and challenges facing small independent shops, particularly rising energy costs

Victoria Collins, Lib Dem MP for Berkhamsted and Harpenden, has represented her constituency as a Liberal Democrat since the last election in July 2024 and also serves as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology in the House of Commons. Also attending the meeting was the Fed’s Political Engagement Coordinator Douglas Oliver.

Mr Patel, who currently serves on the Fed’s Executive Council, has operated the shop in the village since 2000. He spoke about the range of services the busy shop and post office provides, including payment and parcel services, as well as the greetings cards, hardware, textile and vast range of convenience products it sells.

The Fed team explained that energy costs are a particular concern for small independent shops at the moment, following the recent conflict in Iran and supply disruption affecting oil supplies in the Middle East, which are likely to filter through to bills in the near future. Mr Patel explained that many Fed members are reliant on energy-intensive refrigeration units which are kept running 24 hours a day and therefore consume significant amounts of electricity.

Mr Oliver spoke about its work supporting the Trust and Transparency Charter for energy – along with Labour backbencher Sarah Edwards MP and the Startup Coalition – which could help create more competition and hence drive down energy costs but said more needed to be done to help small shops face up to energy price inflation.

Whilst retail crime was less of a challenge at Mr Patel’s shop, compared to other Fed members elsewhere in the UK, the discussion also touched on the Fed’s engagement with Government on the passage of the recent Crime and Policing Act. Mr Patel also highlighted rising taxes like higher employer National Insurance Contributions introduced in April 2025, which made it more expensive to employ extra staff.

Victoria Collins MP said:

“Our local independent shops and post offices are at the heart of our communities. They are far more than just places to buy everyday essentials, they provide vital services, create local jobs and offer a lifeline for many residents, particularly older and more vulnerable people.

“It was lovely to meet Alpesh Patel and hear firsthand about both the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses. From rising energy bills to higher employment costs, many local retailers are being squeezed from all sides.

“If we want thriving high streets, the Government must back businesses, which means tackling soaring costs, supporting local enterprise and recognising the enormous contribution independent retailers make to our local economy and community life.”

Mr Patel said: “I would like to thank Victoria for visiting. It was good to discuss some of the challenges facing my shop and how that applies to other businesses elsewhere in the country. I look forward to welcoming her to visit the shop again in the future.”

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For further context on some of the topics we spoke on, you might be interested in having a look at our website, but also feel free to let me know if you have any follow-up questions at this stage.

• You might be interested in having a look at our website for some more information about the energy campaign we have been supporting along with Labour backbencher Sarah Edwards MP, Sarah Olney MP and others: https://thefedonline.com/news/the-fed-in-parliament-to-back-calls-for-greater-transparency-to-help-control-high-energy-costs-for-business/
• And also the Deposit Return Scheme for recycling bottles and cans: https://thefedonline.com/news/feds-national-president-backs-grant-for-drs-for-independent-retailers