Report aims to improve government links with retail
Closer co-operation between government and UK retail
The publication of the Government’s Retail Strategy Group report on improving competitiveness in the UK retail sector is being heralded as a major step forward in Government’s understanding of retail.
The British Retail Consortium worked with the DTI and a wide range of retailers to establish and develop the Retail Strategy Group.
Amongst the key recommendations of their report is the creation of the Retail Policy Forum, a high-level ‘early warning system’ for new regulations affecting retailers.
The report also recommends that all policy makers in Government dealing with regulation affecting business should spend at least one week a year in business and new consideration for how retailers can be more involved in the planning system at national and local levels.
Kevin Hawkins, Director General of the BRC said: “The BRC helped established the Retail Strategy Group and has been involved at every stage of its work. We welcome the publication of its report and will continue working with the Government to implement its recommendations.
“A thriving, competitive retail sector benefits everyone in the country. The work undertaken by Tony De Nunzio, chief executive of Asda and chair of the Retail Strategy Group, and the other retailers involved has played an important role in delivering a better Government strategy and understanding of retail.
“The creation of the Retail Policy Forum and the other recommendations should help Government work with retail to deliver the right policies on the key issues that will make a difference to retail businesses and their customers.”
