Retail Industry Leadership Group meeting minutes: November 2025

Attendees and apologies

ILG members attending

• Lucy Brown (LB), Central Operations Director, John Lewis Partnership, and Retail ILG Co-Chair
• David Lonsdale (DL), Director, Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)
• Mo Razzaq (MR), Chair of Political Engagement, National Federation of Independent Retailers
• Mark Millar (MM), Director of Stores – Scotland, Boots
• Meryl Halls (MH), Managing Director, Booksellers Association
• Colin Smith (CS), Chief Executive, Scottish Wholesale Association
• Luke McGarty (LMcG), Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers’ Federation
• Laura Mitchell (LM), Head of Retail, Greggs
• Debbie Harding (DH), Chief Corporate Office, Dobbies
• Wendy Hamilton (WH), Serving Member – Volunteer Member’s Council, Federation of Small Business (FSB)
• Graeme Thomson (GT), Director of Business Development, One O One Convenience Store
• Grace O’Keeffe (GO), Corporate Affairs Manager, Asda

Guests

• DSU Neil McDonald (NMcD), Police Scotland
• ACC Tim Mairs (TM), Police Scotland
• Andy Thom (AT), Routes To Work
• Danielle Jarvie (DJ), Routes To Work
• Gosia Lysakowska (GL), Capital City Partnership

Apologies

• Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Gaelic, and Retail ILG Co-Chair
• Kelly O’Sullivan, Head of Communications and Devolved Government Relations, Tesco
• Sonya Harper, Central Operations Director, CJ Lang & Son
• John McCartney, Scotland Organiser, GMB Union

Scottish Government

• James Johnston (JJ), Head of Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Unit, Scottish Government
• Allan Clifford (AC), Team Leader Retail Policy, Scottish Government
• Cheryl McNulty(CM), Restricting Promotions Team Leader, Scottish Government
• Celeste Wilson (CW), Senior Policy Advisor, Scottish Government
• Declan O’Neil (DO), Senior Policy Advisor, Scottish Government
• Ross Sayers (RS), Policy Advisor, Scottish Government

Secretariat

• John Combe (JC), Retail Policy Officer, Scottish Government

Items and actions

Items and actions

Item 1: Welcome and actions from previous meeting

• LB welcomed members to the 12th ILG meeting and introduced new member, Grace O’Keeffe from Asda
• LB passed on the apologies of co-chair Ms Forbes and other members for not being able to attend the meeting
• LB also confirmed that the next meeting is provisionally scheduled for Monday, 23 February 2026 in Inverness
• no members raised any comments regarding the actions from the previous meeting

Item 2: Update from Police Scotland

ACC Tim Mairs (TM) and DSU Neil McDonald (NMcD) provided an update on the Retail Crime Taskforce:

• TM and NMcD hailed Police Scotland and the ILG’s working relationship
• TM covered retail crime trends, acknowledging that levels remain high but emphasising an overall downward trajectory (in recent weeks)
• TM stressed the importance of national messaging in tackling retail crime, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. He also confirmed the launch of the National Crimestoppers Campaign later that day, aimed at driving behavioural change and reinforcing the message that retail crime is not a victimless offence
• TM discussed Operation Stardrop, which targets youth violence and shoplifting. He also highlighted Action for Children’s work in Edinburgh to divert young people from retail crime. TM suggested that, if successful, this model could be rolled out nationally
• TM considered the link between organised crime and retail offences, noting that these groups exploit profitable opportunities. While arrests for shoplifting are possible, he stressed the need to target those at the top of the chain, as low-level offenders are easily replaced. Police Scotland aims to disrupt this model through enforcement and asset seizures, impacting their cost-benefit analysis. NMcD added that dismantling these networks will take time
• TM noted that significant sentences have already been imposed on high-level offenders. This will be further supported by the rollout of a summary case management system on 1 December 2025, designed to enable faster court processing
• TM explained that a direct crime reporting interface is being developed to work seamlessly across different systems. This unified reporting platform is expected by March or April next year. In addition, the Retail Watch alert system is being introduced as part of the community policing model, encouraging retailers to register and receive push notifications on emerging issues, enabling timely responses from Police Scotland
• TM highlighted the positive impact of the Retail Crime Taskforce, in Glasgow where shoplifting fell by 5.5% within weeks of the team’s formation. He also noted
• the success of Operation Dynos in Lanarkshire, with TM indicating the potential for rolling out the Dynos model elsewhere in the country if there were similar experiences in other areas

Retailer feedback

• MM expressed interest in the number of offenders 18 years old and under, enquiring if this number was growing or remaining stable
• LB noted that marginalised and excluded young people who lack a sense of belonging in school may seek this instead with individuals that exploit them to commit crimes
• MR drew links between youth disorder and boredom, citing out Blantyre Asda as an example where local youth services helped reduce incidents. He has also stressed the importance of equipping retail staff to promptly report crimes
• GO raised the issue of violence against women and girls, enquiring about the work that is being done with women and girl’s groups
• MM raised concerns about people being coerced into buying gift cards
• LB acknowledged the effectiveness of body cameras in deterring abusive behaviour, noting that they often make offenders reconsider their actions. MM cautioned that smaller retailers may struggle to afford this technology
• LM highlighted that internal reporting systems show high activity, but it’s unclear if this reaches the right contacts within Police Scotland
• DH thanked Police Scotland for their efforts in tackling retail crime through the Retail Crime Taskforce. GT and DL called for maintaining and increasing funding to support this work, which GT described as essential. MM noted that the UK Budget announcement later that day could impact funding and stressed the need to demonstrate the value of investment. MR added that the £3 million allocated to the Retail Crime Taskforce is effectively £2.9 million due to inflation. He also warned that staff cutbacks in community policing and intelligence creates issues

Police Scotland response

• NMcD confirmed that the number of shoplifting offenders aged 18 and under has been rising, driven by various factors. NMcD also made links between crime and behavioural issues in young people post-lockdown
• TM also acknowledged the negative impact of reduced youth services, as a contributing factor to youth crime. He outlined efforts by Edinburgh City Council to address this issue and highlighted Police Scotland’s Operation Moonbeam, noting that these initiatives are helping to reverse the trend in offences
• TM also confirmed that crime prevention training is being rolled out across the retail sector to help staff manage tension and conflict associated with retail crime
• TM addressed the issue of violence against women and girls, reaffirming Police Scotland’s commitment to tackling this and aligning efforts with the National Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
• NMcD suggested that increased confidence in the police due to the Retail Crime Taskforce has led to higher reporting rates, which may partly explain the rise in recorded offences in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee
• NMcD highlighted Operation Carew’s role in using intelligence and analysis to target organised crime leaders involved in financial and immigration offences
• Police Scotland is now deploying these specialist resources to tackle retail crime groups and address child exploitation and human trafficking
• NMcD discussed gift card fraud, noting the use of algorithms to identify suspicious patterns and block transactions at the point of sale
• local policing activity includes plans to purchase body-worn cameras for roll out to smaller retailers experiencing issues with shop theft. Police Scotland is exploring other spending options if a small underspend becomes available
• TM explained the Police operating model currently piloted in P Division, noting that the Communities and Investigation Hub picks up crimes from shops. Previously, for example, 10 incidents committed by the same person could be spread across multiple teams. NMcD added that while 10 different crime numbers are pulled together, they often have 10 different owners, with one person allocated to catch the offender. TM emphasized that the new hub brings everything together. He gave the example of 17 offences being committed by one individual and this case would be prioritised by the Hub: they prepared a pack, gathered evidence, conducted research, and arrested the person for all 17 offences
• TM stated that the chief constable has called for increased funding for community policing with dedicated community policing making city centers more safe
• TM confirmed that if the additional £3 million funding is not renewed, Police Scotland will cover the remaining costs for the 4 staff on two-year contracts within its existing budget, though this would create pressure elsewhere

Item 3: Skills pilot presentations

LB welcomed AT and GL, who joined, along with DJ, to deliver skills pilot presentations

Routes To Work

• AT, representing Routes to Work, explained that the organisation operates in North Lanarkshire and launched its first retail routeway in March 2024, with six qualified trainers delivering most training in-house. He confirmed that external training is also used to fill gaps not covered internally. He also stated that key employer partners include Tesco, Morrisons, Londis and others
• AT outlined the Routes To Work training offer which includes three accredited courses, six unaccredited courses, plus mandatory training over 8 days within a two week period. He stated that this training includes confidence-building activities, CV building, and interview techniques in a simulated setting
• AT highlighted the outcomes of this programme with 85% completion rate historically; 100% completion rate this year and 60% of participates now in sustained employment

Capital City Partnership

• GL delivered a presentation on the Vocational Training Framework employed by Capital City Partnership in Edinburgh in collaboration with Edinburgh City Council. She stated that the purpose of this initiative was to connect local businesses with those looking for work
• GL confirmed that the Vocational Training Framework had been developed after consultations with local employers to address challenges in hiring quality staff by addressing the skills gaps in the retail sector She added that one of the strengths of this framework is its flexible structure involving 12 training providers.
• GL added that another strength of this training model is that it is tailored to employer needs, offering bespoke programmes. She stated that typically this programme upskills 15 people at a time over 2-3 weeks but the duration varied based on employer needs. This programme also has strong connections with charities and community groups to source strong, local candidates for jobs
• GL stated that of the 92 people that completed this training, 50% were in employment post-training and reported positive feedback from employers about candidates that had undertaken his training

Questions and answers

• LB thanked AT and GL for their presentations and opened the floor for questions:
• GL responded to questions from members about where clients come from with GL confirming that for Capital City Partnership this was via a referral process. She explained that Capital City Partnership works closely with job centres and employability providers and schools who make these referrals
• DJ addressed members’ questions about the visibility of Routes to Work, noting that the programme primarily focuses on small-to-medium enterprises and has only recently partnered with national organisations such as Tesco and Morrisons, which may explain the limited awareness. DJ also highlighted that, since there is no longer a national employability programme, awareness of initiatives like this varies significantly across local authorities
• members reflected on difficulties recruiting for vacancies with only 20% of candidates invited to interview attending their interview slot. They praised these programmes, stating that completion of these courses shows dedication and worth ethic. GL added that there is a real appetite for programmes like these and cited a Capital City Partnership example of having 15 places and 42 referrals within 48 hours of it being advertised
• AC highlighted that the 32 local authorities offer similar services and more information is available on the websites of the local authorities. He noted that No One Left Behind, the Scottish Government’s approach, also supports this work
• AC also emphasised the flexibility of retail roles, which can accommodate people with caring responsibilities

Item 4: High in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) update

• CM provided an update on HFSS policy, aimed at improving the nation’s health by reducing the overconsumption of unhealthy foods. She stated that the regulations to restrict promotions such as “buy one, get one free” and free full-sugar soft drink refills will make it easier for consumers to make healthier choices and tackle childhood obesity
• CM confirmed that implementation guidance in relation to HFSS for retailers is also being developed and that the approach broadly aligns to regulations in England and Wales
• MR raised concerns about the impact on low-income households in areas of high deprivation, noting that these communities often rely on cheaper, less healthy foods. He suggested more education initiatives, such as cookery classes, to support healthier eating. CM reassured MR that a suite of actions is being undertaken, with education as a key component, including community food networks and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation Healthy Living Programme
• MM welcomed the alignment of Scottish regulations with those in England and Wales, noting that divergence creates challenges for businesses operating across the UK. He asked for clarity on any differences between the nations. CM confirmed that while wording and enforcement routes differ slightly, the core requirements are consistent

Item 5: Any other business

Discussions for future meetings

members discussed and agreed the following:

• Glasgow City Centre, a key economic hub, does not currently feel like a powerhouse – To invite SG colleagues to discuss regeneration plans of City Centres.
• the issue of illicit trade and its connection to Trading Standards, how this connects with Police Scotland, and to examine the impact on retailers being used as fronts for organised crime
• licensing laws for vapes and tobacco
• how the retail ILG could help shape priorities of the next Scottish Government following the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, including coordinated approaches re: DRS
• LB wished ILG members well over the festive period and formally closed the meeting

Action points

• retail ILG Secretariat to issue all slides presented to ILG members
• retail ILG Secretariat to issue all slides presented to ILG members
• retail ILG Secretariat to collate questions from ILG members for skills pilot representatives
• HFSS SG Officials to share with Retail ILG Secretariat any consumer facing communications which will then be shared with ILG members
• retail ILG Secretariat to share information re: skills support and employment programmes available across the 32 local authorities in Scotland.
• secretariat to send out a “save the date” to members for next ILG in Inverness