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Press Release

FSB calls on Government to act on Small Shops Report

15 February 2006

The Federation of Small Businesses today welcomed the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group report that is looking at the pressures on small shops and the domination of the retail market by large superstores.

The report, supporting many of the FSB’s views, spells out the possibility that local independent shops could die out in the next ten years.

The FSB calls on the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to take a close look at the retail market to address anti-competitive tactics that may be used by larger retailers.

Clive Davenport, FSB Trade and Industry Chairman, said:

“The report is further proof that small shops are being bullied out of the market and that the OFT must look again at this issue. Its conclusions are a welcome step towards addressing the serious issues that face small independent retailers.

"We urge the Government to take this report seriously and take steps to safeguard the future of independent retailing.

“If nothing is done small shops will disappear from the local communities that depend on them and there will be less choice for consumers.

“We are very interested in the proposals that the report has put forward. We are looking forward to examining them in great detail and to setting out our own suggestions. To do so we will work closely with the All Party Group on Small Shops and other policy makers. That way we can ensure a viable future for the High Street and a wider range of choice for the consumer.”



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Federation of Small Businesses

Federation of Small Businesses

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