Independent retailers will have the opportunity to get ready for upcoming legislation and ensure their store stays afloat during current economic uncertainty at The Fed’s upcoming annual conference. 

The event, which takes place later this month, will see panel discussions, presentations and debates on key topics such as retail crime and the deposit return scheme (DRS). 

National president Narinder Randhawa said: “We operate in an ever-changing and fiercely competitive trading environment, and we have to rise to the challenges this presents.” 

Police chief Patrick Holdaway, lead of the National Business Crime Centre, and Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, have both been confirmed to speak on the issue of crime, discussing recent developments to combat abuse and attacks against staff, and also focus on protection against shop theft. 

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This comes following a ‘milestone’ amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, meaning assaults against shopworkers will carry tougher penalties. 

To educate retailers on the introduction of the upcoming DRS, Jim Fox, head of public affairs at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, will be joined by David Gell, policy lead on DRS at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, as well as representatives from DRS administrators Circularity Scotland Limited and insight on the opportunities, challenges and considerations for DRS from industrial & commercial waste collection service provider Biffa. “

Retailers will also have the chance to hear about the future of the newstrade from Smiths News’ commercial director, Simon Gage; Jonathan Marsh, from collectables giant Topps; and Joel Griffiths, from magazine distributor Marketforce. Northern Irish store owners are also planning to put forward a motion calling for news wholesalers to be given financial penalties for service failures. 

Randhawa added: “As always, conference promises to be an excellent opportunity for members to talk face-to-face with leading suppliers of goods and services.” 

The Fed reports a membership increase of 500 since start of the year

Running for national president this year is retailer Jason Birks, who has served as deputy vice president and vice president over the past three years. Muntazir Dipoti will run for national vice president. 

Both nominees want to grow The Fed’s membership and build on the support given to members. 

The conference will take place at The Vox in Birmingham from 20-21 June. 

On Monday night, a gala dinner will be held where The Fed will be crowning its Overall Shop Local Shop Little Hero 2022 from three Little Hero winners: Jawad Javed, from Day-Today in Stenhousemuir; Dennis Williams from Broadway Premier in Edinburgh; and Terry Caton, from Londis in Chesterfield. 

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