The GCA represented members interests at the Genesis Initiative meeting at the Bank of England, and joined with other trade associations whose members include independent retailers at the annual IRC in person meeting on 24th and 25th March 2026 respectively.
The Genesis meeting focused on the impact on small businesses of recent legislation, such as changes to NI, the minimum wage and changes to businesses rates, with the GCA and others feeding back to economists at the Bank of England. Note the government is currently gathering evidence for the 2027 minimum wage rates – please do feed back to the Low Pay Commission.
The IRC covered many of the same issues, and discussed how we as an organisation can further support our members and continue to feedback to MPs; together we represent over 100,000 independent retailers which is a powerful voice. The impact of business rate changes on independent retailers and small businesses is a key concern and we are feeding back to government the disproportionate impact of the rises on independent retailers. The new ratable value lists have now been released.
Shoplifting was it a topic that occupied much of the IRC discussion, and a presentation from an organisation called ShopSafe was agreed could be useful particularly for retailers of low value items who are constantly suffering theft and not getting response from their local police services. The IRC is working with ShopSafe on an agreement that could support all IRC association members. The GCA will contact retail members when more information is available, however if any members want to be connected, or to find out more now, please contact amanda@gca.cards
