Pembrokeshire politician Paul Davies met with the owners of Tenby Post Office and Stores recently to discuss issues affecting independent retailers, such as shoplifting and business support.

Paul Davies, Welsh Conservatives Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro said: “It was a pleasure to visit Tenby Post Office & Stores and meet Vince and Fiona Malone. Local post offices are small businesses with a big community impact and it was good to hear from them about some of the challenges that they're facing at the moment and how governments can better support them.

“The sustainability of businesses like this is crucial, particularly in rural communities and I'll certainly be raising this at the Senedd to see what support can be offered to businesses like this so they can continue to provide essential community services.”

As Senior members of the Federation of Independent Retailers, the Fed, Vince and Fiona Malone discussed the continuing challenges facing small shops and to discuss the retail agenda following the recent election on May 7, including the points highlighted in the Fed’s manifesto ahead of the election, which focused on controlling costs, the need to affectively tackle retail crime and a clearer path to the adoption of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for recycling cans and bottles in Wales.

The visit came at a time of great uncertainty about DRS in Wales which is looking to implement its own scheme but is yet to adopt a Deposit Management organisation (DMO) and potentially will have a scheme involving glass, in contrast to the rest of the UK.

Following the visit, Vince and Fiona shared: “The election seems a long way away here in Wales now, but Political Engagement is always on the agenda.

“Here’s a flavour of what we discussed...

“Call to action support needed - we urge local politicians to advocate for policies addressing retail crime and enhancing business support.

“Discussion on rates - let’s engage in dialogue about social benefits and rates that reflect the value we provide to our community.

“Investment in safety and security. We call for increased policing and community support to ensure our business can continue serving Tenby.

“Appointment of a DMO - it's crucial to ensure a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) is appointed promptly to establish a roadmap for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Wales.

“This approach should align with the rest of the UK for cohesion and sustainability. The introduction of glass as a standalone region poses challenges that need exploring. The system must at least be cost-neutral for retailers.

“Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our communities,” they added.

The Malones also emphasised the need for a discussion about business rates which needs to factor in the social benefit provided by small shops like their own, as well as action to tackle retail crime through intervention from Neighbourhood Police.

Vince said: “Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our communities and The Fed has been very vocal in speaking up for the needs of small shops ahead of the May election – including hosting the then First Minister - but we want to carry on with that engagement with all parties in the months ahead as well as the new Senedd and new Government gets as they get their feet under the table.

“We want to ensure a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) is appointed promptly to establish a roadmap for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Wales.

“This approach should align with the rest of the UK for cohesion and sustainability and the system must at least be cost-neutral for retailers – this is in everyone’s interests as we can only get a good rate of return for recycling when small shops are fully participating.”