Independent retailers have been snubbed in business secretary Sajid Javid’s red tape review list, which promises to reduce burdensome regulation.

• Read: Sajid Javid promises small businesses are the priority

Despite referring to small businesses as “Britain’s engine room” the Conservative minister neglected to include retailers in his first wave of reviews on July 16. He instead committed to help energy, waste, agriculture, care home and mineral extraction sectors.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, innovation & Skills said: “The five sectors announced are only the first wave of sectors for the new Cutting Red Tape review programme and a second wave is expected to launch in the autumn.” The department refused to comment on whether retail will be part of future red tape plans.