New parliamentary group set to focus on growing challenges facing retailers

The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the future of retail is a cross-party body with MPs and Peers among its members. It will provide a forum for parliamentarians and retail businesses to work together to support the industry, protect jobs and aid recovery during and after the coronavirus crisis.

MP Matt Vickers, who has a background in retail, is chairing the group. “The pandemic has accelerated already worrying trends in the retail industry which have put jobs and livelihoods at risk.

“I look forward to working with retail businesses and my parliamentary colleagues to ensure these issues are given the appropriate attention they require in parliament. We’ve seen some hugely innovative government support packages for our retailers and we’ll be fighting to ensure this continues as well as pushing for the right solutions on digital tax and the review of business rates. Our high streets are the hearts of our communities and we need to stand up for them.”

Working in conjunction with organisations including the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Federation of Small Business (FSB), the group aims to raise awareness of the economic importance of retailing. It will also explore trends and develop policies which provide support to the sector and link parliamentarians and other decision makers with the retail industry to help solve the challenges it is facing.