Stockton MP Matt Vickers visits Darlington store facing rising costs
Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton West, visited Middleton St George Post Office and Londis, owned by Shailendra and Versha Soti, on June 6.
During the visit, Mr Soti told him that the retail environment has become tougher due to increased business rates, rising electricity bills, and occasional incidents of retail crime.
He said: “I would like to thank Matt Vickers and his team for spending so much time talking to me and discussing the rising difficulties involved with running a small independent retail business.
“In particular, I spoke about the range of rising costs including higher business rates and energy bills.”
Business rates rose for many small businesses in April following the loss of Small Business Rates Relief and a major revaluation in the value of businesses which help set rates bills.
Energy bills also remain a significant concern for retailers.
Mr Vickers said the shop and post office are vital parts of the community.
He said: “It was great to speak with Shailendra and his team in Middleton St George.
“It is clear that the shop and Post Office are real focal points for people in the village who rely on it for such a vast range of key services and products including everything from postal, payment, package, newspaper, greeting cards, coffees and the usual range of convenience products.”
While retail crime is reportedly lower at this particular store, Mr Vickers warned that rising operational costs remain a serious problem.
He said: “Whilst it was positive to hear that retail crime is less of a challenge here compared to other shops, I remain concerned about the range of bills, including higher business rate bills, energy costs and more.
“I look forward to working with the Fed to ensure the concerns of retailers like Shailendra and Versha are heard in Parliament in the months ahead.”
Mr Vickers has a background in retail and has previously served as chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Retail.
Last year, he met with the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) to discuss the impact of crime and harassment on small shopkeepers.
The Fed has been raising awareness among politicians about the challenges facing independent retailers, particularly the effect of rising costs on their businesses.
Mr Soti took over the Londis store last year, and said the financial pressures facing small retailers remain extremely difficult.