During a tour of News Bit in Oxhey village in Watford on July 24, Mr Turmaine praised long-time shop owner Raju Patel, who has served the community from his Villiers Road store since 1988. The visit was arranged by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) to highlight the essential role of local businesses in high streets and neighbourhoods. Raju, who is on first name terms with customers at his Villiers Road store, discusses business issues with Watford MP Matt Turmaine amid jam-packed shelves (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)Mr Turmaine said: "Raju has served his local community for almost four decades. During the visit, Mr Turmaine met Doug Oliver, political engagement coordinator for the Fed, to discuss the wider impact of the independent retail sector, which employs over 400,000 staff. After purchasing a couple of soft drinks from News Bit, Mr Turmaine visited the nearby Loveday family bakery, which has been in business since 1935.