The merger between the British Hardware Federation and the British Shops & Stores Association was made official yesterday at a signing ceremony in London.
The merged body, called the BHF-BSSA Group, will have more than 8,000 retail members, bringing economies of scale and a stronger lobbying voice. Alan Hawkins, who becomes new group ceo, said: "The increased negotiating power for our services, a larger market into which they can be delivered and real economies of scale will all help bolster the ability of the association to support its members at a time when it is needed more than ever."

Communications director Michael Weedon added: "Expect to hear from us about every issue that bears disproportionately on the independent high street retailer, whether it is regulation, business rates, employment, age-restricted sales, town centres, taxes, planning, competition or any of a hundred burdens heaped on them by government. This new body will have a loud voice to shout for the independent."