Home & Gift Association Calls on Prime Minister to Back Independent Retailers, Suppliers and British Manufacturing

Industry worth £58.2 billion and supporting over 844,000 jobs urges Government action to unlock growth and protect high streets

The Home & Gift Association has today written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for targeted Government support to help independent retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth, job creation and vibrant high streets across the United Kingdom.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

In a letter sent by Managing Director Gemma Sault, the Home & Gift Association highlighted the significant contribution made by the UK's home, gift and stationery sector and outlined a series of policy recommendations designed to strengthen independent businesses and unlock future growth.

The call comes as businesses across the supply chain face increasing pressures from rising employment costs, business rates, energy costs and growing competition from overseas online marketplaces.

Independent economic research commissioned by the British Allied Trades Federation found that the UK's gift economy contributes approximately £58.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports around 844,500 full-time equivalent jobs. Collectively, industries represented by the Federation contribute more than £70 billion in GVA and support over one million jobs across the UK economy.

The Home & Gift Association believes these figures demonstrate the vital role played by independent retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and wholesalers in supporting local communities, driving consumer spending and strengthening Britain's wider economy.

Supporting Growth Across Every Constituency

From independent high street retailers and family-run wholesalers to innovative British manufacturers and internationally recognised brands, businesses within the home and gift sector contribute to employment and economic activity in every constituency across the country.

Gemma Sault, Managing Director of the Home & Gift Association, said:

"Our industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, generating billions in economic value and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Yet many businesses are facing increasing financial pressures that are limiting their ability to invest, recruit and grow.

Independent retailers and suppliers are the lifeblood of our high streets and communities. They create jobs, support local economies, foster entrepreneurship and bring character to towns and cities across the UK.

We believe the sector can play an even greater role in delivering economic growth, but only if businesses are given the support and confidence they need to invest in the future."

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Five Key Asks for Government

In the letter, the Home & Gift Association calls on Government to:

 - Business Rates to better reflect the realities of modern retail and support independent businesses competing with large online operators.

 - Create a Fair Trading Environment by ensuring imported products sold through international online marketplaces meet the same safety, environmental and taxation standards as UK businesses.

 - Support SME Growth and Investment through targeted tax incentives, investment allowances and improved access to finance.

 - Back British Manufacturing and Design through enhanced export support, innovation funding and procurement policies that encourage British-made products.

 - Recognise Trade Shows as Economic Growth Engines, providing greater support for exhibitions and industry events that generate sales, exports and business opportunities for thousands of SMEs.

Championing British Businesses

The Association is also encouraging Government to take further steps to champion British brands, independent retailers and UK-made products, recognising the important role they play in driving economic resilience and maintaining thriving town centres.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, sustainability initiatives and new routes to market, the Home & Gift Association believes the sector is well positioned to support the Government's ambitions for economic growth, productivity and regeneration.

The Association has offered to work closely with Government to develop a dedicated growth strategy for the home, gift and stationery sector and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the industry.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE