Ahead of the Welsh election on May 7, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has met with Welsh First Minister, Baroness Eluned Morgan, to highlight the importance of small shops to the Welsh economy and to the villages, towns, cities and communities of Wales. The Fed was represented by senior member Vince Malone and his wife Fiona at their business in Tenby [Tenby Stores and Post Office located on South Parade] which has just had completed a refit and now trades under a ‘Morrison’s Daily’ fascia.

Since launching its manifesto for the Welsh elections in January, the Fed has been inviting Senedd candidates to visit its members’ businesses in Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges that they face.

Its manifesto calls for retail grants to be provided for small independent businesses, as well as action to control costs, particularly business rates which are controlled by the Welsh parliament. The Fed also wants a cost neutral deposit return scheme (DRS) that works for small shops.

Mr Malone described the meeting as “very positive” - adding: “In particular, I highlighted the value of our Post Office and the vast range of government services it provides to people in the town and the many visitors who stay in Tenby, especially in the coming summer months.”

Wales’ First Minister said: “I would like to thank Vince and the Fed for once again highlighting their important work representing the vital small independent shops that serve the people of Wales.

“I was particularly interested to hear about the work of the Post Office, especially at a time the Westminster government is looking to engage retail stakeholders on modernisation of the Post Office network so businesses like Vince’s can continue to thrive in the years ahead, whilst serving local people,” she added.