Kent member shares concerns with local MP

17/11/2025

Executive councillor Viral Joshi laid bare the issues affecting him and fellow independent retailers when he met with his local MP last week.

Mr Joshi explained the important role that small independent shops play in their communities when Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp visited The Village Shop, in St Margarets At Cliffe, Kent, on Friday (November 14).

But the South East district member also took the opportunity to discuss the challenges that retailers face, such as retail crime and rising costs, along with the way that the government can lend support.

Following the meeting, Mr Joshi said: “I would like to thank Mike Tapp for visiting my business, along with his team. We talked about the products I offer and the central role of the business to life in St Margaret’s at Cliffe. We discussed the success of the shop in recent years and sales – which remain strong – but also the challenges associated with rising costs, as well as counterfeit goods. He is welcome to visit any time.”

Mr Tapp said: “It was great to meet with Viral on Friday and hear about the value of his business to the people of St Margaret’s at Cliffe and the central role members of the Federation of Independent Retailers play in their communities around the country.

“We discussed the government’s work to tackle retail crime and the challenges and opportunities facing small retail business at this time.

“I look forward to working with Viral and the Federation in the future.”

The meeting had been organised by the Fed’s political engagement coordinator Doug Oliver, who was also in attendance.  If you would like to host a store visit with your local MP, please email douglas.oliver@nfrn.org.uk.