Speaking at the launch of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents' first ever Welsh Agenda last night, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Shadow Minister for Local Government, and Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Small Shops, said:

“I was delighted to sponsor the NFRN’s Agenda launch last night. Newsagents are vital to our economy and society - they often act as something of a community hub.

“The Agenda mentions just some of the problems faced by many independent retailers, and I think the message here is clear: we must work to support our small shops here in Wales. Revitalising our high streets is one way in which we can do this – something I have long campaigned for in my role as an AM, and as Chair of the CPG on Small Shops in the National Assembly for Wales.

“Wales is also desperately in need of a full and robust review of business rates which can be crippling for small businesses. I have long-called for improved rate relief across the board for SMEs, to include retail newsagents.

“Finally, the issue of safety was much-mentioned. I was shocked to read figures indicating that, on average, 14 retail shop workers are assaulted each day in Wales. Clearly, the safety of all retail workers must be a priority for the Government, Police and shop owners.”