Challenges of independent retailing shared with Stockport MP

Stockport retailer Bhavna Patel is the latest Fed member to welcome her local MP to her store to discuss the big issues facing small independent shopkeepers.

Stockport Labour MP Navendu Mishra visited Gigi Supermarket on Grosvenor Road, which Ms Patel and her family have run since 1985, on Friday January 16,.

The Fed’s national deputy vice president Craig Etchells, who runs a business less than 10 miles further north in Manchester, and its political engagement coordinator Doug Oliver were also in attendance. The two retailers spoke about the challenges caused by shop theft and their attempts to engage the police when issues with retail crime have arisen.

Threats posed by the costs of business rates, the implementation of the new tobacco licence, rising energy costs and competition from bigger supermarkets, were also discussed, as well as the challenge from rogue traders elsewhere on the High Street.

On a more positive note, the MP was told about the growth of products such as parcels, which are helping to boost footfall, and the importance of stocking a full range of convenience products.

Commenting on the meeting, Mr Mishra said: “It was great to speak with Bhav and the Fed team and look forward to supporting them in Parliament in the future where I can.

“Having worked in retail for a period before becoming an MP, I know the hard work involved in running a shop and it was especially interesting to discuss these matters with the team. I hope to raise some of their points on retail crime and the need to boost neighbourhood policing and trading standards with Greater Manchester Police and the Home Office when I am down in Westminster.”

Ms Patel said: “My family have run this business for over four decades now, and my dad had a strong working relationship with Anne Coffey, Stockport’s previous MP and I appreciated Mr Mishra’s genuine interest. Whilst I explained it was a difficult environment for small shops like mine and thousands of Fed members across the UK, it was a useful first discussion and I look forward to speaking to him again in due course.”