The Home & Gift Association has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for targeted Government support to help independent retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth, create jobs and support thriving high streets across the UK.
In a letter sent by managing director Gemma Sault, the Association highlighted the significant contribution of the home, gift and stationery sector and outlined policy recommendations to strengthen independent businesses and unlock future growth.
The call comes as businesses across the supply chain face mounting pressures from rising employment costs, business rates, and energy bills, alongside increasing competition from overseas online marketplaces.
Independent economic research commissioned by the British Allied Trades Federation found the UK’s gift economy contributes around £58.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports approximately 844,500 full-time equivalent jobs. Collectively, industries represented by the Federation generate more than £70 billion in GVA and support over one million jobs across the UK economy.
Gemma 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.”
The Association is urging Government to:
● Reform business rates to better support independent retailers.
● 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 through targeted tax incentives, investment allowances, and improved access to finance.
● Back British manufacturing and design with enhanced export support, innovation funding, and procurement policies.
● Recognise trade shows as key drivers of sales, exports, and business opportunities.
The Association is also encouraging the Government 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.
It has offered to work with the Government to develop a dedicated growth strategy for the home, gift and stationery sector, while providing insight into the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the industry.
Read the letter here:
www.homeandgiftassociation.org.uk/Documents/home-and-gift-association.pdf