A leading independent retailer has called on major suppliers to improve margins on price-marked packs as they continue to shrink, amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Mo Razzaq, owner of Premier Mo’s in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, has written a public letter urging key suppliers to restore retailer margins to at least 19%.

“Running a convenience store is often stressful, unappreciated and involves long hours,” it reads. “It was widely regarded that a retailer needed to make 16% margin to break even, but with the cost-of-living crisis driving increases in fuel and energy, alongside the increase in minimum wage, we now require a margin of at least between 19% to 20%.