Members of the Federation of Independent Retailers, Vince and Fiona Malone, welcomed Senedd Member Claire Archibald to their Tenby Store recently to show the vital role their shop and post office plays in their community.

Ms Archibald was elected elected to the Ceredigion Penfro constituency as a Reform candidate at the Senedd earlier this year.

The meeting highlighted the social value of shops and post offices, with particular emphasis on the 650 post offices across Wales.

Mr and Mrs Malone, of Morrisons Daily - Tenby Stores and Post Office, emphasised the particularly high cost of business – through a mix of high business rate costs and high commercial costs and energy bills – and how they make it increasingly difficult to sustain small retail businesses, despite their social value.

The couple also highlighted the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme for recycling bottles and cans when it goes live in October 2027 and the work the Fed is undertaking to help small shops prepare.

They also shared concerns about potential complexities in Wales linked to bringing glass into the scheme, which is scheduled to fully take effect after a longer four-year transition period until October 2031.

Their concerns about retail crime and rogue trade on the High Street was highlighted, and the particular priority the Fed places on enhancing resources for Neighbourhood Policing and Local Authority trading standards was reiterated.

Ms Archibald said: “It was an extremely positive meeting and I look forward to working with Vince and Fiona in the future. I hope to meet with them again in the Senedd at some point and will also try and stop by the shop when I am in Tenby in the future!”

The Malones added: “We would like to thank Claire for visiting us and for engaging openly on the issues affecting our business and community. The ball is now in the hands of the Senedd to ensure that these concerns are acted upon.”