Members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) met with Nick Carter, a Plaid Cymru candidate for the new six-member Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency in the new Welsh Senedd elected on 7 May, as well as councillor Rodney Berman, who’s standing for the Liberal Democrats. The meetings were held at Albany Road Post Office, which is run by the Fed’s new Welsh president, Mark Dudden.
Carter has spent much of his professional life as a commercial property surveyor working with retailers on their valuation work. He now sits third on the Plaid Cymru list for the six-member constituency elected by Proportional Representation in May’s election. Because of his valuation experience, Carter said he fully understood the concerns Fed members have about rising business rates. He also spoke about Plaid Cymru’s aspiration to bring down business rate bills for small businesses after the election.
The Fed was also represented by its political engagement coordinator, Douglas Oliver. Both he and Dudden spoke about its support for the proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for recycling, as long as it was cost-neutral for retailers and the Welsh government did not commit to including glass from day one.
Carter said: “I was delighted to speak with Mark and visit his business close to where I live and one I use frequently. I know how vital its services are. It was good to discuss some of the key concerns facing Fed members across Wales, particularly on rising business rate bills, the Welsh DRS and retail crime.”
The meeting with Berman touched on similar topics, with concerns about theft and retail crime highlighted, particularly its call for greater action from Neighbourhood Police. The Fed spoke about its work on developing a retail security grant focused on small shops who feel especially vulnerable, along with Liberal MPs in Westminster.
Berman, who sits on Cardiff City Council for the ward of Penylan, said: “It was a very useful meeting. I frequently visit the shop and Post Office, so I know how important it is for people. I’m committed to pushing for more action to level the playing field for independent high street shops on their business rate bills, as well as greater action to tackle retail crime.”
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