Key Points
- The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) held meetings with Nick Carter, Plaid Cymru candidate standing third on the party list for the new six-member Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency, and Councillor Rodney Berman, standing for the Liberal Democrats in the same constituency.
- Meetings took place at Albany Road Post Office, operated by Mark Dudden, the Fed’s new Welsh president.
- Nick Carter, a former commercial property surveyor, expressed understanding of retailers’ concerns over rising business rate bills due to recent revaluation, based on his valuation experience.
- Plaid Cymru aims to reduce business rate bills for small businesses, including independent shops, after the Welsh Senedd election on May 7, 2026.
- The Fed, represented by political engagement coordinator Douglas Oliver and Mark Dudden, voiced support for the proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for recycling, provided it remains cost-neutral for retailers and excludes glass from day one.
- Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency centres on northern and eastern parts of Cardiff, elected via proportional representation for six members.
- This engagement occurs ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, amid challenges like retail crime, higher costs, and policy impacts on independent retailers.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 24, 2026 – The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has engaged directly with key candidates from Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats ahead of the Welsh Senedd election on May 7, 2026, focusing on pressing issues for independent shops in the Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency. These meetings at Albany Road Post Office underscore retailers’ concerns over business rates and recycling schemes, as articulated by Fed representatives and candidates Nick Carter and Councillor Rodney Berman. The discussions highlight the vital role of small businesses in northern and eastern Cardiff amid economic pressures.
Who Attended the Meetings?
The gatherings involved prominent figures from the retail sector and political candidates. Nick Carter, positioned third on Plaid Cymru’s list for the six-member Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency, attended alongside Councillor Rodney Berman, the Liberal Democrats’ lead candidate.
The venue, Albany Road Post Office, is run by Mark Dudden, recently appointed as the Fed’s Welsh president. Douglas Oliver, the Fed’s political engagement coordinator, also represented the organisation, contributing to talks on policy impacts.
As reported in the primary coverage by Herald Wales, these interactions provided a platform for direct dialogue between retailers and aspiring Senedd members. Mark Dudden hosted the events, drawing on his experience as a local post office operator employing around 20 staff.
This setup mirrors recent Fed engagements, such as the January 23, 2026, meeting with Cardiff Central MS Jenny Rathbone at the same location, hosted by Dudden with Vince Malone and Oliver.
What Background Does Nick Carter Bring?
Nick Carter’s professional history as a commercial property surveyor equips him to address retailers’ challenges. He has worked closely with many retailers on valuation tasks throughout his career. Now third on Plaid Cymru’s list for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, which covers Cardiff North and East Westminster seats, Carter leverages this expertise in political discussions.
As detailed by Herald Wales, Mr Carter explained his interest in real estate and fully understood the concerns Fed members have about rising business rate bills following the recent revaluation. Plaid Cymru’s broader policy aligns with relief for small businesses; as noted by party spokesperson Mr Fletcher in earlier statements, a Plaid-led government would vary the business rate multiplier to reduce rates for independent retail and hospitality outlets, ensuring cost-neutrality by having larger payers contribute more. Mr Fletcher stated:
“Through varying the multiplier, we have the power to reduce rates for independent businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality. It really is that simple. And by looking at how we charge rates so that those who can afford to pay contribute more, it would also be cost-neutral.”
What Is Rodney Berman’s Profile?
Councillor Rodney Berman, a Penylan ward representative, leads the Liberal Democrats’ list for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf. He served as Cardiff Council leader from 2004 to 2012, boosting recycling rates and school funding, and received an OBE in 2013 for local government services. Berman currently heads the Lib Dem group on Cardiff Council.
While specific statements from Berman at the Fed meeting are not quoted in available reports, his selection as lead candidate was announced by Welsh Liberal Democrats, with Berman commenting:
“Labour are completely failing Cardiff, whether that is at the Council, Senedd or UK Government level. People are increasingly telling us as a result how let down they feel at every level.”
Welsh Lib Dem Leader Jane Dodds MS added at the announcement:
“In this election the Welsh Lib Dems will be the antidote to both years of failure under Labour and the Conservatives, and to the Trumpian delusions of populists and nationalists. Our candidates will be relentlessly focused on improving people’s lives and everyday issues such as fixing the Welsh NHS and growing the Welsh economy.”
Berman has advocated for local shopping streets like Waterloo Gardens and Wellfield Road, as per social media coverage.
Why Focus on Business Rates?
Rising business rates post-revaluation dominate retailers’ worries, with Carter affirming his grasp of these due to his surveying background. He spoke about Plaid Cymru’s aspiration to bring down bills for small businesses, including independent shops, post-election. This echoes Plaid’s economic plans to support town centres.
The Fed’s recent manifesto ahead of the May 7 election addresses such costs alongside retail crime, as discussed in the Jenny Rathbone meeting. Mark Dudden noted:
“This is an important time for the Fed and we discussed the challenges for small shops caused by retail crime and higher costs as well as the Fed’s manifesto that was recently published ahead of the Welsh Senedd election on May 7th this year.”
Higher taxes and security costs hinder staffing expansions despite employing 20 people.
What About the Deposit Return Scheme?
The Fed supports the DRS if cost-neutral and glass-free initially. Both Douglas Oliver and Mark Dudden raised this condition. In the Rathbone talks, Dudden highlighted DRS potential to boost footfall for independents if managed properly. He said:
“We also spoke about the planned Deposit Return Scheme for Recycling (DRS) and how this could also boost footfall for independent business, so long as the scheme is cost neutral for shops.”
Industry urges Welsh Government action before elections, with regulations needed by March 27, 2026, to avoid delays risking UK-wide scheme fraud up to £300 million yearly. The Fed emphasises Welsh Government avoiding glass inclusion from day one.
What Is the Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf Constituency?
This new six-member Senedd seat, elected by proportional representation, centres on Cardiff’s northern and eastern areas, pairing Cardiff North and East. Plaid Cymru lists: 1. Dafydd Trystan Davies, 2. Zaynub Akbar, 3. Nick Carter, 4. Andrea Gibson, 5. Joseph Gangbo, 6. Morgan Rogers. Lib Dems feature Berman prominently.
How Does This Fit Broader Fed Efforts?
The Fed actively engages politicians, as seen in the January Rathbone visit discussing post office services, cash access, and manifesto priorities. Doug Oliver coordinates these, contactable at douglas.oliver@nfrn.org.uk. Welsh retailers face compounded issues like crime and costs, with post offices driving footfall.
Why Are These Meetings Significant?
Pre-election dialogues allow retailers to influence policy on rates, crime, and DRS. Candidates like Carter and Berman hear frontline concerns, potentially shaping post-May 7 agendas. No party likely secures majority under new system. The Fed’s neutrality ensures balanced input.
