In-person meetings with representatives of the Federation of Independent Retails, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, or the Scottish Retail Consortium: FOI release

Information requested

How many in-person meeting have Scottish Government ministers had with any representatives of the Federation of Independent Retails, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, or the Scottish Retail Consortium. Please provide this information for the years 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Response

I enclose a response to your request.

I would first like to advise that Ministerial engagements are proactively published on the Scottish Government website and can be found via this link - Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

The vast majority of Ministerial meetings from the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 have taken place remotely, virtually or through teleconference facilities.

The number of in-person meetings we have found on record that have taken place between Ministers and 1) the Federation of Independent Retailers, 2) the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and 3) the Scottish Retail Consortium, from the start of 2021 until the date of your request have been outlined below.

The Federation of Independent Retailers

Year 2021: 0

Year 2022: 1 – this was a Ministerial speech.

Year 2023 (until 10 March 2023): 1 – this was a hybrid meeting.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Year 2021: 3 – 2 in-person meetings and one photo opportunity.

Year 2022: 3 – 1 in-person meeting, 1 hybrid meeting and 1 Ministerial speech.

Year 2023 (until 10 March 2023): 2 – 1 in-person meeting and 1 hybrid meeting.

The Scottish Retail Consortium

Year 2021: 1 – this was a Ministerial visit to a business.

Year 2022: 2 – 1 in-person meeting and 1 hybrid meeting.

Year 2023 (until 10 March 2023): 2 – 1 in-person meeting and 1 hybrid meeting.

All other Ministerial meetings with these stakeholders that we found on record were facilitated remotely.

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