Kent retailer Hemanshu Patel, national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), met with Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan to discuss current Government efforts to tackle the challenge of rogue trade on the high street.
The meeting took place at Patel’s business, Saltwood General Stores, near Hythe, and followed a discussion in December last year.
It also came as the Government prepares to introduce new measures that may help law enforcement act on the problem. The Fed has also raised these issues directly with the Government, with Patel speaking with Crime & Policing Minister Sarah Jones at the end of last year, and again this week through the Fed’s membership of the Retail Crime Forum.
Responsible retailers
Patel said: “The Fed represents thousands of responsible independent retailers across the country - as well as the wider independent retail sector - and we back measures the Government is taking which will make it more difficult for criminals to trade on the High Street, particularly through closure notices and closure orders.
“We share the Government’s concern about the safety of the goods being sold on the black market…”
“Rogue trade funds organised crime, reduces the Government’s tax base and is also driving many high street shops out of business. Meanwhile, we share the Government’s concern about the safety of the goods being sold on the black market which have no quality control.”
Criminal issues
Patel and Vaughan also discussed the challenges of retail crime and theft, which continues to be close to record highs, according to government data.
Patel explained the Fed’s continued concerns around under-reporting, along with the length of time it can take to report a retail crime offence.
Finally, Patel spoke of the Fed’s work to encourage independent retailers to prepare for next October’s deposit return scheme (DRS). He explained the Fed was keen to help retailers manage costs and was encouraging members to register.
Vaughan said: “It was very useful to speak to Hemanshu again. He raised some valuable points about rogue trade and retail crime. I’m pleased the Government is taking this matter seriously, but I’ll pass on his feedback to government and colleagues in parliament about how more can be done to tackle the blight of illicit trade.”
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