زمرے: پریس ریلیز

The Fed Meets Wales First Minister in Pembrokeshire  

Ahead of the Welsh election on May 7, 2026, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has met with Welsh First Minister, Baroness Eluned Morgan, to highlight the importance of small shops to the Welsh economy and to the villages, towns and cities of Wales.

The Fed was represented by senior member Vince and Fiona Malone at their business in Tenby in Pembrokeshire, which has just had completed a refit and now trades under a Morrison’s Daily fascia.

Since launching its manifesto for the Welsh elections in January, the Fed has been inviting Senedd candidates to visit its members’ businesses in Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges that they face.

Its manifesto calls for retail grants to be provided for small independent businesses, as well as action to control costs, particularly business rates which are controlled by the Welsh parliament.  The Fed also wants a cost neutral deposit return scheme (DRS) that works for small shops.

Mr Malone described the meeting as “very positive.” He added: In particular, I highlighted the value of our Post Office and the vast range of government services it provides to people in the town and the many visitors who stay in Tenby, especially in the coming summer months.”

Ms Morgan said: “I would like to thank Vince and the Fed for once again highlighting their important work representing the vital small independent shops that serve the people of Wales. I was particularly interested to hear about the work of the Post Office, especially at a time the Westminster government is looking to engage retail stakeholders on modernisation of the Post Office network so businesses like Vince’s can continue to thrive in the years ahead, whilst serving local people.”

Welsh Fed members engage with Labour candidate on key retail issues ahead of Senedd elections

Fiona and Vince Malone, owners of Tenby Stores, in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), met with Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro and Pembrokeshire County Councillor in the upcoming Senedd elections on May 7. 

 

The meeting on Saturday, February 28, focused on the critical challenges facing independent retailers and followed the publication of the Fed’s manifesto for the Welsh election.

 

Key issues addressed during the meeting included the impact of rising business rates bills on small shops, as well as the significant social and economic value that post offices and convenience stores offer to their neighbourhoods. The Malones highlighted the rising costs resulting from above-inflation increases in the national minimum wage and higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) that have placed further financial strain on independent businesses such as theirs, and others across Wales and the rest of the UK.

 

The importance of post offices in providing essential banking facilities was emphasised, underscoring their role in sustaining local economies through their range of services including postal and banking as well as government services such as vehicle tax renewal and passport applications.

 

Additionally, the conversation touched on the pressing issue of retail crime. The Malones showed how they had taken steps to reduce this problem, including the implementation of extensive CCTV coverage and the utilisation of AI technology, but that the threat remained.

 

With the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in Wales on the horizon, the Malones expressed their support for initiatives aimed at improving recycling rates. However, they raised concerns regarding the inclusion of glass in the scheme in Wales, highlighting that it would be difficult for small shops to implement because of the dangers associated with broken glass and weight involved in moving it.

 

Vince Malone said: “I want to thank Marc again for his visit and discussing these important issues and for his clear interest. Fiona and I remain committed to advocating for the interests of small shops – as members of the Federation of Independent Retailers – working with all parties at the Senedd ahead of May’s election and beyond.”  

 

Marc Tierney said: “Vince and Fiona are active retailers, who go the extra mile for their community and are well known for their advocacy for the independent retail sector, not just in Wales but across the UK. My visit highlighted the importance of their postal service, banking hub and convenience shop.  Providing these services under one roof is exactly the type of model that can sustain services in our rural, coastal communities. I look forward to working with them in the run-up to the election and beyond.”

The Fed Meets with Fine Gael TD, Brian Brennan, in Co Wexford

The Federation of Independent Retailers has met with Fine Gael TD Mr. Brian Brennan in Bunclody in County Wexford on Monday 23rd March to discuss some of the challenges impacting independent retailers throughout Ireland.

Mr. Brennan met at the business of the Fed’s Vice President in Ireland, Peter Steemers, which operated in the town for the past century, but is currently impacting by a range of economic and regulatory headwinds.  Mr Steemers was also accompanies by the Fed’s Membership Development Executive for Ireland, David McKeown.

Topics discussed included the year’s further increase in the National Minimum wage which went up by €0.65 (4.8%) to €14.15 per hour to sit as the second highest in the EU behind only Luxembourg. Mr. Steemers also highlighted Government taxation and associated regulatory costs like the €1,800 combined Tobacco and Vape Licence.

The Fed team also spoke about the rising spectre of retail crime with shop theft causing direct financial costs in terms of lost stock, but also in terms of expensive security measures small retailers need to take in order to better defend their premises.

Mr. Brennan said: “I was delighted to see Peter’s business and to discuss the vast range of product and services it provides. It is so important shops like this continue to both survive and thrive and I look forward to working with them – along with Fine Gael colleagues – in the months ahead.”

Mr. Steemers said: “I would like to thank Mr. Brennan for visiting the business and listening to the concerns of Fed members. He seemed genuinely keen to work with us locally and in Dublin and we hope to meet with him again at the Dáil Éireann.”

The meeting follows a recent discussion with Sinn Féin TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, earlier in the month at the same business which was part of the Fed’s ongoing initiative to ensure retailers are heard across the political spectrum.

Joshua Reynolds MP visits Fed member in Berkshire

Maidenhead Liberal Democrat MP Joshua Reynolds has again met with the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) to discuss the challenges facing small independent shops.

Following a visit to Fed National President Hetal Patel’s shop in Furze Platt, in Maidenhead last October, Mr Reynolds visited Holyport Post Office which is run by Fed members Sanjay and Jaya Patel on Friday, March 27.

Hetal Patel and the Fed’s Political Engagement Coordinator Douglas Oliver were also in attendance.

As well as serving as the local MP in the Berkshire constituency, Mr Reynolds is spokesperson for Investment & Trade for the Lib Dems in Parliament. Just recently, he backed the Fed’s call for dedicated retail security grants to help small shops tackle retail crime.

Friday’s meeting came as the new financial year looms in early April, which will see a series of costs impacting small independent retailers including increases to business rates, an above-inflation increase in the National Living wage and the first measures in the Employment Rights Act, including an extension of the obligation for employers to provide staff sick pay from the first day of illness.

The discussion also touched on the growing challenge of illicit trade in tobacco and the unfair competition to responsible retailers provided by this trade which is widely linked to organised crime. The Fed representatives discussed their calls for the government to provide better resourcing for local authority trading standards teams as well as urging them to have better strategic focus so as to support legitimate retailers.

Commenting after the meeting, Joshua Reynolds MP said: “”It was great to speak to Sanjay and Jaya Patel and the team from the Fed about the continuing challenges facing the sector. Having worked in retail myself managing branches of the Co-Op and helping run branches of the Post Office, before entering politics, I know the challenges businesses like this face.

“In particular, we discussed the impact of rising costs like higher business rates taking effect in April, as well as retail crime and illicit traders which undermine responsible retailers.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Fed and making the concerns of the Patels and their team heard in Parliament.”

Sanjay Patel said: “It was a very positive meeting and I was pleased by Joshua’s interest in the topics we discussed. However, we want to encourage him to continue his support for Fed members and independent retailers in Parliament.”

 

فیڈ نے ممبران کو HMRC کی نئی “ٹیکس کانفیڈنٹ” ویب سائٹ استعمال کرنے کی ترغیب دی

The Fed is encouraging members to engage with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC’s) new “Tax Confident” website which helps explain the basics of tax management for people across the country, including those running small businesses.

The website can be accessed through the Government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/got-agap-in-your-tax-knowledge-get-tax-confident and as well as features linked to retirement planning, Fed members may be interested in the small business section: https://taxconfident.campaign.gov.uk/small-businesses-and-tax/

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:   “We know that tax can feel confusing at times, especially when you are not sure where to start. HMRC’s Tax Confident website is here to help people get to grips with the basics, covering everything from the tax essentials for new businesses to the need-to-knows for retirement.  Tax Confident is designed to help you feel informed, capable and in control when it comes to managing your tax”

The Fed’s Political Engagement Coordinator Doug Oliver said: “The Fed always tells Government that our members work extremely hard to deal with the day-day management of their shops and that they do not often have the time or resource bigger businesses have for undertaking certain back office tasks. Consequently, we hope this tool could be a useful way of sharing certain useful basic information about tax for our members; the site was only launched this March, so we look forward to seeing how it develops and hopefully expands in the coming months.”

نیوزپریڈ کو فیول سرچارج پر تنقید کا سامنا

فیڈریشن آف انڈیپنڈنٹ ریٹیلرز (دی فیڈ) نے آج (پیر، 23 مارچ) آئرش نیوز ہول سیلر نیو سپریڈ کے مشرق وسطیٰ میں موجودہ واقعات کی وجہ سے لاگت کے دباؤ کے ردعمل میں اپنے موجودہ کیریج چارج میں 4.5 فیصد کا اضافی فیول سرچارج شامل کرنے کے فیصلے کی شدید مذمت کی ہے۔.

فیڈ نے اب نیو سپریڈ کے سینئر مینجمنٹ کے ساتھ ایک ہنگامی میٹنگ کا مطالبہ کیا ہے تاکہ ان اضافی اخراجات کے بارے میں اراکین کے خدشات کو شیئر کیا جا سکے، جبکہ وہ اس کا متحمل نہیں ہو سکتے، اور ساتھ ہی مشاورت کی کمی کو بھی اجاگر کیا جا سکے۔.

قومی صدر ہیتل پٹیل نے کہا: “یہ سرچارج ناپسندیدہ ہے اور فیڈ یا ہمارے اراکین کے ساتھ کسی بھی مشاورت کے بغیر اس کا اعلان کیا گیا ہے۔ نیو اسپرڈ کے ساتھ ہماری ملاقات میں ہم اپنی مایوسی کا اظہار کریں گے۔ نیو اسپرڈ نے اپنے خوردہ گاہکوں کو مناسب نوٹس دیے بغیر ان اضافی چارجز کو جلد بازی میں نافذ کر دیا ہے۔ کیریج چارج ٹیمپلیٹس میں کسی بھی تبدیلی کا چھ ہفتے کا نوٹس روایتی ہے۔’

قومی نائب صدر ہیمانشو پٹیل نے مزید کہا: “جبکہ ایندھن کی قیمتوں میں حالیہ اضافہ ہوا ہے، RAC فاؤنڈیشن کے اعداد و شمار سے پتہ چلتا ہے کہ 2022-2023 کے دوران پمپ کی قیمتیں فی الحال سے نمایاں طور پر زیادہ تھیں اور ان چوٹیوں سے کم ہونے کے باوجود، کرایہ کے چارجز میں کوئی متناسب کمی کبھی بھی ظاہر نہیں کی گئی۔".

“ہم صرف ایک متفقہ طریقہ کار کا مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں، ترجیحاً سپلائی چین میں ساتھیوں کے ساتھ تعمیری بحث و مباحثے کے ساتھ، جیسا کہ یہاں جو یک طرفہ فیصلہ سازی کا مظاہرہ کیا گیا ہے۔.

“میں اس بات پر سوال اٹھاؤں گا کہ کیوں کم ایندھن کی قیمتوں کے اوقات میں مجموعی مال برداری کے چارج کو کم کرنے کے طریقہ کار کے بغیر سرچارج لگایا گیا ہے اور 4.5 فیصد کے اعداد و شمار کا حساب کیسے لگایا گیا ہے، بشمول اگر یہ مختصر مدتی مارکیٹ کی اتار چڑھاؤ کے بجائے طویل مدتی قیمت کے رجحانات کے تناظر میں طے کیا گیا ہے۔”

کریگ ایچلز، قومی نائب نائب صدر اور فیڈ کی نیوز آپریشنز کمیٹی کے چیئرمین نے مزید کہا: “نیوزپریڈ سے بات کرنے کے علاوہ، ہم پبلشرز کے ساتھ اپنے خدشات پر بھی بات کریں گے، انہیں اس بات کی یاد دلائیں گے کہ وہ کیریج چارجز کو شفاف اور منصفانہ رکھنے کو یقینی بنانے میں جو کردار ادا کرنے کے پابند ہیں۔ یہ خاص طور پر ایک ایسے بازار میں اہم ہے جہاں فروخت کے لیے مقابلہ اور ہول سیلر کے انتخاب کی کمی ہے۔".

“دیگر مصنوعات کے برعکس، خبروں کی طباعتی کور قیمتیں تاحال موجود ہیں جو خوردہ فروشوں کے لیے گاہکوں کو قیمت بڑھانے کے اختیارات محدود کرتی ہیں۔ اس طرح کے اضافی معاوضے خوردہ فروشوں کو اسٹاک رکھنے یا اس زمرے کو اسٹور میں لانے کی ترغیب دینے میں بہت کم کردار ادا کرتے ہیں۔”

نسل در نسل سگریٹ نوشی پر پابندی ایک قدم قریب آگئی

The Generational Smoking ban looks set to take effect next year after a challenge in the House of Lords was defeated. The ban will mean that all those born before 1st January 2009 will not be allowed to buy cigarettes.

The vote this week in the House of Lords was 246 votes to 78 against an amendment that would have raised the legal age for tobacco sales in England and Wales to 21. It was largely backed by Conservatives, alongside two Liberal Democrats.

The Fed has expressed concern in the past about the workability of the ban and has also said that an increase in the legal threshold to 21 would go a lot of the way to ensuring that youth tobacco is smoking curtailed.

The Fed is now focused on calling on Government to beef up resourcing for local authority trading standards – and other law enforcement measures with the Police and other Government agencies – to ensure that the ban does not lead to an increase in illicit trade.

Cut in commission for parcel handling labelled a ‘kick in the teeth’ for independent retailers

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) says Evri’s decision to reduce the commission on one of its ParcelShop categories is another blow to hard hit shop owners.

From April 5, parcels that are classified as ‘shop to shop’ will see the commission received by retailers go down from from 20p per parcel to 15p for drop-offs, and from 25p to 20p for shop to shop collections by store customers.

Shop to shop drop offs and collections are parcels that are delivered to one store before being collected by an Evri driver and taken to another store.

The Fed’s national deputy vice president Craig Etchells, who is also a ParcelShop agent, said: “At the moment, we do not know how many of our dropped off parcels are classed as shop to shop because it is not broken down on our invoice.

“The decision by Evri to cut the commission on these sorts of parcel could mean a significant reduction in earnings for retailers.

“There is just as much work to do for the retailer as with any other dropped off parcel, whether it is a customer to customer or return parcel, while it takes even longer to process colections.

“Such a big reduction in commission is yet another kick in the teeth for smaller retailers like me and many of our members.”

Scottish Government Writes to the Fed About Business Rates in Scotland

Scottish Government Minister, Ivan McKee MSP of the SNP, has written to the Fed’s President in Scotland, Mr Hussan Lal, with further information about changes affecting rates in Scotland following the Holyrood Budget which was set in January.

Ahead of the Budget earlier this year, Mr Lal called for Business Rates in Scotland to be controlled so as to benefit retailers, especially small shops like those owned by Fed members. It also called for rates to be aligned with those in England and with those in the Scottish hospitality sector.

Mr. Lal’s letter, ahead of the budget, said that “[In Scotland]…Many small shops are struggling because of rising costs including energy costs and Employers National Insurance Contributions and because many shoppers have less to spend given the current cost of living. Retail crime is also jeopardising the livelihood of many of our members. We understand that factors such as ENICs are a reserved issue but we call on the Scottish Government to take action on rates.”

Mr. McKee, who currently serves as Minister for Public Finance, stated that: “The Scottish Budget 2026-27, announced on 13 January, along with additional relief announced on 12 February, ensures the estimated revenues raised from non-domestic rates in 2026-27 will be 7% lower in real terms measured by the Consumer Price Index than pre-COVID despite the number of properties on the valuation roll increasing in that time.

“It continues to support businesses and communities, ensuring the lowest Basic Property Rate since 2018-19 and offering a package of reliefs estimated to be worth over £870 million, in 2026-27. The Budget offers more than £320 million of support through transitional relief schemes and retail hospitality and leisure relief over the next three years.”

Commenting, Mr Lal said: “The Fed was grateful for the Scottish Government’s response and noted some positive measures in the Budget for Scottish retailers, as we lobbied for.

Nonetheless, this clearly remains a challenging time for Scottish convenience retailers and we are continuing to lobby senior political figures across the political spectrum so they understand the challenges we face.”