Retail Membership

The SGF brings retailers and suppliers together in one single united body. Our membership includes a whole range of retailers from throughout Scotland including most of the Scottish Co-operatives, Nisa, Keystore, Scotmid, SPAR, Costcutter and local independents.

Joining SGF ensures your voice is head by the decision makers that matter.

Influence

SGF members are part of a unified retail voice. They shape the retail agenda whilst making sure their own business priorities are represented.

Licensing and Alcohol Issues

SGF is a member of the Alcohol Industry Partnership, a ground breaking agreement between the alcoholic drinks industry and the Scottish Government, formed in recognition of our shared aim to reduce alcohol misuse in Scotland. In addition SGF is a partner of Alcohol Awareness Week.

Environmental Regulation

Proposals included in Scottish Government consultations on zero waste and the energy performance of non-domestic buildings could carry major costs for retailers. The SGF is working to ensure pragmatic implementation regimes are available to retailers during the current economic downturn.

National Food Policy

SGF is involved in discussions with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to promote a Scottish National Food Policy. SGF will make certain the interests and role of the convenience store sector is considered.

Carrier Bags

SGF is seeking to continue the development of voluntary agreements with the Scottish Government to reduce the use of single-use carrier bags. SGF has played a pivotal role in ensuring the Scottish Government has agreed to further voluntary co-operation.

National Minimum Wage

SGF worked with other industry groups to lobby the Low Pay Commission to set NMW levels at realistic levels. With trading conditions as they are, the Government must be especially careful to ensure that costs on business do not threatened the role of small shops.

Supporting Retailers Build Relationships with Elected Representatives

Convenience stores are community businesses and having a reciprocal relationship with community leaders including MSPs. Through involvement in initiatives including Alcohol Awareness Week, SGF assists members in gaining access to their local MSPs. SGF can help retailers build these relationships and will continue to do this via the roll-out of the Local Shop Campaigner in 2009

Tobacco Regulations

SGF has made the Government and elected representatives aware of the implications for retailers of the imposition of burdensome and costly legislation relating to tobacco display issues. SGF is working closely with Government to ensure regulation is as appropriate to your business as possible.

Healthy Living

The SGF Healthy Living Programme is an impressive and successful example of the industry working together with the Government to improve the supply and provision of healthier food choices, focusing on fresh produce in local neighbourhood shops, particularly in low income areas. The success of the programme influenced the Healthy Eating, Active Living Acton Plan launched by the Scottish Government in 2008.

Responsible retailing

SGF continuously reminds elected representatives, the Government and media of the responsible measures SGF members take in their businesses to drive up standards relating to the sale of age restricted products. SGF’s Public Petition to the Scottish Parliament has led to the Scottish Government working with SGF and Young Scot to develop and encourage the use of proof of age cards as a form of age verification.

Crime Survey

The results of the SGF Crime Survey enable SGF to highlight one of the key issues for retailers to both elected representatives and the media. The crime survey findings have added weight to our campaign for a nationally recognised proof of age card.

SGF in the media

SGF maintains a high profile in the media as the voice of the convenience store industry, standing up for our members reputations on issues including responsible retailing, highlighting issues such as violence against shop staff and ensuring the wider audience are aware of how the convenience store sector in Scotland is performing. This media coverage is highly influential with civil servants and the Scottish Government.

News

SGF members receive Community Shop a bi-monthly newsletter. The new look Community Shop details new and emerging policy issues the SGF is directly working on which effects convenience store retailers. The SGF Update, distributed by email, enables members to receive an up-to-the- minute summary of the latest news and information on legislation and events likely to affect the convenience store industry

Networking

The SGF holds networking events including the Suppliers Dinner and the Annual SGF Conference. These events are an ideal forum for our members to meet up and discuss the latest industry issues.

To find out more about becoming a member contact SGF Tel: 0131 343 3300 E: info@scotgrocersfed.co.uk