Aberconwy AM and Shadow Secretary for Local Government Janet Finch-Saunders has been re-elected as Chairperson of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops in the Welsh Assembly.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said: “I am delighted once more to Chair the Cross Party Group on Small Shops. Our first meeting of the new Assembly term was positive, with some strong ideas to take forward.

“It was great to welcome new members to the Group, who I know will bring in some fresh thinking and strengthen us going forward in terms of proposing and supporting the right policies to benefit small shops and businesses here in Wales.”

Vikki Howells, AM for the Cynon Valley was elected as Deputy Chair of the group and said; “Vibrant town centres are a crucial pillar of our communities and since being elected I have already met with many small business owners from high streets throughout my constituency to talk about what as their Assembly Member I can do to help create an environment where they can thrive.

“The Cross Party Group will provide a useful forum for discussion and debate, and I am delighted to have been elected as the group’s Deputy Chair”.

The Cross Party Group on Small Shops was established to raise awareness in the National Assembly for Wales about the impact that public policy issues have on small shops, and has hosted meetings on issues including planning, business rates and retail crime.

Other Assembly Members supportive of the Cross Party Group include Assembly Members Mark Isherwood, Huw Irranca-Davies, Michelle Brown and David Rowlands. ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) will continue to provide Secretariat support for the group.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Steve Dowling, ACS Public Affairs Assistant, via steve.dowling@acs.org.uk / 01252 533009.