Fresh concerns have been raised about the impact of rogue traders and rising energy costs on independent shops following talks between retail representatives and a County Durham MP.
The meeting, held in Horden, County Durham, was held on Friday, August 7, between Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, and Jason Birks, former national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed).
Mr Birks, who served as the Fed’s national president from 2022 to 2023 and remains on its National Executive Committee, discussed the growing threat posed by illegal tobacco sales, increasing retail crime, and surging energy bills.
He said: "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."
Kayleigh Shaw, the Fed’s member development executive, also attended the meeting in support of Mr Birks.
Discussions centred on the persistent problem of illegal tobacco sales and the Fed’s call for greater government action.
Mr Birks said that local authority trading standards teams need stronger support and resources to tackle the issue effectively.
The Fed has held a meeting with the Home Office last year, contacted new members of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government, and supported new measures the government is considering to introduce tougher closure orders on rogue traders.
Retail crime was another focus of the discussions, with Mr Birks relaying ongoing concerns about shop theft.
He also warned that high energy costs are putting further strain on small, independent shops, especially those like his that rely on around-the-clock refrigeration for perishable goods.
Mr Birks said many retailers are anxious about volatile energy prices as they negotiate new contracts, given recent instability caused by ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
Mr Morris said: "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.
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"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."
The meeting follows previous talks between the two in Parliament during earlier Fed lobbying on behalf of small shops.