Candidates in the upcoming General Election are being called on to support local shops ahead of the vote on 4 July, in a newly launched manifesto by trade body Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF).

The manifesto is divided into five ‘challenges’, legislative burden, deposit return scheme (DRS), disposable vape ban and generational smoking ban, free access to cash and national living wage increase. Each challenge is matched with a solution set out by the trade body.

The SGF is also calling on MPs to consider the current ‘burden’ on independent stores including tighter restrictions across several product categories, new regulations on waste management, increasing costs for providing vital local employment, and a real terms reduction in support for business rates.

Chief executive Pete Cheema OBE said: “Over the coming weeks we will keep an eagle eye on the promises that are made throughout the campaign to support business and grow the economy.”

SGF report reveals crime ‘devastating’ Scottish convenience sector

The trade body added that the retail sector is contending with unprecedented levels of crime, theft, and abuse toward staff, and persistently high food inflation, energy costs and interest rates. 

Cheema added: “Retail is absolutely vital to the Scottish economy, and convenience stores are at the very heart of the communities they serve. Providing essential lifeline goods and facilities that boost local wellbeing, growth and employment.

“Ministers in both Westminster and Edinburgh have a duty to ensure that new regulation is supporting our good, well-meaning businesses, and not pulling the rug out from under them.

“That is why we are asking the new UK government, whatever their political views, to take a serious look at how overregulation is impacting small business, local shops and the entire UK supply chain.”

SGF is set to host a General Election Hustings for retailers and Scottish convenience representatives on 11 June in Falkirk. All six of the major political parties in Scotland have been invited to attend and set out their plans for the next UK parliament.

Read more SGF news and articles