The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) joined Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth in Staffordshire, in parliament earlier this week for the launch of her “Trust and Transparency Energy Charter”.
During the event, Fed member and south-east London independent retailer Kaual Patel spoke to an audience of MPs, retail and hospitality representatives, as well as figures from the energy industry, about the negative impact of high costs for small shops such as his.
Patel, who runs the Torridon Road store in Lewisham, said: “Our convenience stores play an important economic and social role as visible retailers at the heart of their communities, but rising energy bills are a growing concern, because they are energy-intensive, often requiring 24-hour refrigeration.
“The way energy companies impose bills means things are often skewed against small businesses, particularly shops.
“Ultimately, high energy costs impact the sustainability of thousands of businesses like mine and our ability to employ the many staff that the economy relies on.”
Edwards said: “Trust in the business energy market depends on customers being able to see who is committed to doing the right thing.
“This charter creates an important signpost for businesses seeking transparent, customer-focused brokers and suppliers.”
The charter has also been signed by the British Retail Consortium, Association of Convenience Stores, Federation of Small Businesses, and UK Hospitality.
The charter calls for:
- Standardised, upfront disclosure of the full cost of electricity
- Clear, enforceable rules on sales and pricing
- Simple switching and genuine supplier choice
- Stronger protections for small and medium-sized firms
Earlier this week, it was also endorsed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
Bira backs Trust and Transparency Energy Charter as independent retailers face cost pressures
