Leading convenience retail representatives from across the UK grilled party representatives on the impact of crime and illicit trade, overregulation and trust in politics, at a hustings event hosted by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) in Falkirk on Friday (11 June).
With just three weeks until voters go to the polls, the event provided a crucial platform for retailers, suppliers, and producers to discuss and address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.
Chaired by BBC Scotland’s Gary Robertson, top economic spokespersons for each party, Brian Whittle MSP (Scottish Conservatives), Daniel Johnson MSP (Scottish Labour), former MP and prospective candidate Kenny MacAskill (Alba Party), and Willie Rennie MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats), took the opportunity to set out their priorities for a new UK Parliament as well as key issues for Scottish policymakers.
Panellists recognised the vital importance of local stores and the services they provide for communities across Scotland. However, they also acknowledged that times are difficult for many small businesses, and new regulations ‘at the till point’, retail crime, business costs, and economic instability could put many retailers at risk.
"This hustings event comes at a pivotal time for our sector. With the upcoming General Election, it’s crucial for our voices to be heard and for policymakers to understand the challenges and opportunities convenience retailers face," Pete Cheema, SGF chief executive, said after the event.
“Our sector represents a vital part of the Scottish economy, with over 5,000 local stores providing over 49,000 jobs, as well as suppliers and producers from celebrated small and local businesses to distinguished nationwide industries. Convenience retailers provide essential lifeline services for millions of consumers and thousands of local communities right across Scotland.
“However, the pressure of overregulation, economic challenges, retail crime, the cost-of-living crisis and evolving consumer behaviour has had a significant impact on the viability of many local shops.
“This hustings event offered a unique opportunity for dialogue and engagement between sector stakeholders and political representatives, and I want to thank everyone, most of all our panellists, for taking part.”
The General Election hustings was held separately after the conclusion of SGF’s annual Mini Summit, which covered topics such as ‘Women in Retail’, ‘The 3 E’S Energy/Efficiency/Environment’ and a ‘Policy Matters’ discussion on key issues impacting convenience retail in Scotland.
Alex Rimmer
