SGF launch General Election manifesto calling for new approach to business regulation

The leading trade association for the Scottish convenience sector has today (Tues 4th), published its manifesto ahead of the General Election on 4th July. Setting out key priorities for the next UK Government and calling for newly elected MPs to support their local shops.

The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) represents over 5,000 convenience stores, which provide over 49,000 jobs in Scotland. The sector also contributes £47.1bn worth of sales, £10.6bn in GVA and £9.1bn in taxes across the UK. 

Local retailers now face a range of challenges from both the UK Government and the Scottish Government. 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.

On top of the burden of regulation, 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. 

Laying out the SGF stall for the General Election, Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE said:

“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.

“Our manifesto sets out five key areas, where powers rest with decision makers in the UK Parliament, and 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 will host a General Election Hustings for retailers and Scottish convenience representatives on 11th 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.