SGF Mini-Summit highlights staggering pressures on local retailers

Jun 12

Over the next 18 months, Scottish retailers will be getting to grips with a range of new regulations and operational requirements, on top of the economic headwinds and issues such as crime and illicit trade that are hitting many communities.

Retailers, officials and industry leaders gathered in Falkirk this Thursday (11/06) at the sector’s leading annual policy event, ‘The SGF Mini-Summit’, to discuss the significant regulatory changes coming to the sector.

New restrictions to the sale and promotion of less healthy Food & Drink will come into force this autumn under the HFSS regulations, followed by a series of tighter controls on the sale and supply of Tobacco & Vapes expected at the end of this year, and throughout 2027. The rollout of the much-anticipated UK wide Deposit Return Scheme will also take place from October 2027.

Expert panellists from the Scottish Government, Trading Standards, and leading stakeholders provided key information for retailers and suppliers, guidance on the changes, and lively discussion about the impact on local shops and the services they provide.

The session also covered the impact of the growing trend in illicit trade and the urgent need to support enforcement to crack down on rogue sellers.

Following the session, SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE commented:

“To begin with, I want to give a huge thank you to all of our expert panellists from across the UK, who represented every aspect our sector, government officials and leading experts in their field. I also want to thank our members, without whom, the event could not take place.

“The Scottish convenience sector is under immense pressure both from external and global issues, from the worrying trend in retail crime and illicit trade, and from a conveyor belt of new regulation coming into force over the next year.

“Our event highlighted those challenges, provided important guidance on compliance and the best advice for businesses on how to manage those changes.

“SGF will continue to engage with government and decision makers on these key issues and ensure our sectors voice is heard.”