Robbie Moore MP has met with the owners of the Riddlesden Convenience Store, Kishor and Hema Patel, to hear first-hand about the challenges currently facing their small independent retail business. Also in attendance was Doug Oliver, from the Federation of Independent Retailers.
Mr and Mrs Patel, who have run Riddlesden Convenience Store for more than 20 years, shared their concerns about the growing pressures facing retailers and the impact these are having on their ability to operate, invest, and plan for the future.
The discussion covered a range of issues, including rising energy costs, increasing tax pressures, the threat of higher business rates and the impact of illegal trade in tobacco and alcohol products on legitimate, law-abiding retailers.
Since the Government announced its current economic policies in last year’s autumn Budget, Mr Moore has been incredibly vocal about the impact these measures are having on small independent businesses.
In particular, the MP has repeatedly raised concerns that increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions, the National Minimum Wage and business rates are all adding to the cost of running a business, creating serious cash flow pressures for many small business owners.
Commenting after the visit, Robbie Moore MP 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.
Independent businesses are the backbone of our communities. They provide essential local services, support local jobs and give our towns and villages their unique character. They are vital for our local economy. I will continue to fight their corner and press the Government to change course and to deliver the sound economic conditions needed for businesses like Kishor and Hema’s to succeed.
I will also continue to press West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council’s Trading Standards team to ensure action is taken against the illegal trade of counterfeit goods such as tobacco and alcohol, which is directly harming legitimate retailers.
