Commenting, The Fed’s National President Narinder Randhawa said: “We are pleased to see that the government shares the concerns of independent retailers around access to cash, business rates, crime and regenerating high streets and we urge it to tackle these issues with the energy and priority they deserve.”

“As well as wanting the government to move quickly, it is vital that it works with trade associations like The Fed regarding the detail to ensure that small businesses get the help and support they deserve.”

However, Mr Randhawa has expressed disappointment at the lack of support for small businesses who are struggling amid soaring bills.

“This year has seen huge increases in overheads and operating costs, threatening local shops who are the beating hearts of their communities.  We are disappointed that measures to help ease the burden on hard-pressed independent retailers have been missed out of the Queen’s Speech and would urge the government to look at these as a matter of urgency.”

The post Queen’s Speech should have gone further, say independent retailers first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.