In his letter to the new chancellor of the exchequer, John Healey MP, Patel said: “This remains a challenging time for the sector and our members due to retail crime and high costs,” citing concerns about rising energy bills, higher National Insurance contributions and above-inflation increases in the minimum wage. Patel’s letter acknowledged the fiscal challenges the government faces and offered to work with the South Yorkshire MP, as well as his officials in the Treasury, on a range of issues, particularly Burnham’s pledge to reform business rates. As well as highlighting similar concerns about rising costs facing small shops to those in the Treasury letter, the Fed’s national president also highlighted a series of regulatory and business challenges in a letter written to Jonathan Reynolds MP, the secretary of state for business, innovation, science and technology. Patel spoke about the need for engagement with retailers on the rapid scope of regulatory reform. Each of the letters offered to meet with the new cabinet members, as well as their junior ministers and civil service officials, at a time of mutual convenience after the summer recess.