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Press Release

RETAILERS WELCOME NEW PROMISE OF 'LIGHT TOUCH' ON REGULATION

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today welcomed the Government's commitment to a 'light touch' regulatory framework that will help stimulate production and profitability in the retail sector.

In a speech made to 200 retailers and MPs at the House of Commons last night, Barry Gardiner MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Competitiveness (DTI), acknowledged the tough trading conditions retailers are currently facing and reiterated the Government's commitment to lightening the burden of regulation on business.

In his speech the Minister said: "I know retailers are going through an extra tough trading period and I'm not here as a Minister to give the magic solution, but more to look at how we can help retailers by not stifling them with unnecessary regulation. The only way forward is to innovate and get that advantage.

"We want to let law abiding retailers get on with business with the advice and information they need. We will ensure we scrutinise the regulation process and any new regulations. Enforcement will be coordinated as recommended by the Hampton report - an ideal model for the sector."

He added: "Regulation should be necessary, costed, proportional, consulted on, monitored and reviewed."

BRC Director General, Kevin Hawkins, commented: "A pragmatic approach to applying regulation is very much welcomed, too often retailers are the victims of unnecessary regulation and red tape. It makes sense for the Industry and Government to sit together to discuss practicalities and implications for all involved, avoiding excessive regulation, whilst still protecting the consumer."



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British Retail Consortium

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