Convenience Channel chiefs voice fears over soaring bills
CONVENIENCE channel chiefs have voiced their concerns about the impact of rising energy costs on the sector.
They’ve called for government and energy sector action as electricity and gas prices soar as a result of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Scottish Grocers’ Federation chief executive Pete Cheema warned that retailers were struggling to keep the lights on and store doors open.
He said: “With the cost of living and the cost of doing business higher than ever, the inevitable impact on fuel prices, transport costs, and energy costs of the war will make life all the more difficult for retailers.
“There are actions that our governments can take to support business viability – not just by cutting the tax burden or supporting through energy price caps, but by reducing the flow of new and costly regulation hitting our sector.”
The Fed pointed out how it has partnered with Assured Energy – saving members who had switched utility contracts more than £500,000 in 18 months.
The trade body is also working with utilities advice outfit UAC to help members cut bills but national president Hetal Patel said: “Obviously, anything that pushes energy bills up even more is of great concern.”
The Fed is also backing a campaign led by Labour MP Sarah Edwards to boost competitiveness in the business energy market. It has signed the Trust and Transparency Energy Charter alongside organisations including the Association of Convenience Stores and British Retail Consortium.
At the Westminster launch of the charter, small shop retailer Kaual Patel told MPs and retail, hospitality and energy industries representatives: “High energy costs impact the sustainability of thousands of businesses like mine and our ability to employ the many staff that the economy relies on.”
