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Useful things about the Fed
Learn more about us
For over 100 years, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has existed to help independent retailers run more profitable and successful businesses.
While we can trace our history back to the 1840s, it was in Leicester in July 1919 that the first unified conference of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) – as we were then named – was held.
More than a hundred years later, in today’s highly competitive market, membership of the Fed still gives thousands of independent retailers a trading advantage through practical help and assistance, commercial support, deals and buying opportunities, events, expertise and services.
We actively represent members’ interests at governmental and parliamentary level, and we are the official government referral body for the sector. We are proud to be a powerful voice for the independent retailer.
A team of national officials, led by the National President, are elected by the Fed’s Annual Conference which sits at the top of a democratic membership structure that reaches from local branches and districts to the Executive Council.
With our member-focused approach and hundreds of years of retail experience, no organisation does as much as the Fed to help today’s independent retailer.
And as a not-for-profit organisation, we are only ever working in the best interests of our members.
Our latest events
The Fed excels at bringing you together with other independent retailers through our extensive calendar of events.
From trade shows and conferences through to award ceremonies, and district and branch meetings, there’s always something exciting on the horizon.
View the Fed’s events calendar
Campaigns
The Fed actively promotes political campaigns to ensure the voices of independent retailers are heard at every level of government.
Retail crime
Last year, 72% of our members experienced retail crime while 91% demanded more visible police presence. Retail crime rose 50%, costing £4bn in losses and security measures, with costs passed to consumers.
We welcome recent government action on retail worker assault laws and removing theft prosecution thresholds, but more is needed.
Theft and robbery against retailers have reached record levels, rising by 24% in the past year, with shop owners and staff across the country facing over 850 incidents of abuse and violence a day. This is not acceptable. We propose the government establishes grants of up to £1,500 to help small businesses improve their security measures.
The Fed continues to campaign for an increased police presence on the high street, and a security grant where independent retailers will have the capacity to upgrade their security efforts.
Earlier this year, the Fed welcomed The Crime and Policing Bill, which is at the heart of what the government calls its “Safer Streets” plan, and ministers want it to become law by the end of the year. The bill includes the introduction of a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker and scrapping a 2014 law that classified shoplifting of items worth under £200 as less serious than other retail theft – making them less of a priority for the police.
Vape ban
In June 2025, single-use vapes were banned in the UK, a legislation change which affected the majority of independent retailers.
The Fed designed and created a vape guide containing information around the ban and what it means for members and the wider retail sector.
News
Our media work ensures that the challenges, views, and successes of our members are heard at national, regional, and trade press levels.