The All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group has confirmed its officers for the current Parliament. Simon Danczuk MP will continue as chair of the group with Luke Hall, a new intake Conservative MP for Thonbury and Yate, taking the position of vice chair.

Danczuk said: “I am extremely pleased to continue as chair of the Small Shops Group and I intend to build on our successes in the last Parliament calling the minister to account on business rates, energy contracts and planning policy. Our new inquiry into Britain’s Everyday Entrepreneurs will look closely at what support entrepreneurial small shop owners need to succeed.”

Hall said: “Small shops are the life blood of our communities, creating jobs and providing important local services. I have worked in retail since the age of 16 and I look forward to championing the issues that affect small shops in Parliament.”

The full list of All Party Parliamentary Small Shop Group officers is below.

• Chair: Simon Danczuk MP (Labour)

• Vice Chair: Luke Hall MP (Conservative)

• Secretary: Peter Aldous MP (Conservative)

• Treasurer: David Warburton (Conservative)

Earlier this month, the All Party Group launched the Everyday Entrepreneurs inquiry, looking at the importance of Britain’s small business owners and how Government can help them succeed. The inquiry will look at three areas:

• What skills are needed to facilitate the growth of the next generation of entrepreneurs

• The positive contribution entrepreneurs make to their local communities and what the government can do to support them

• Removing barriers to growth and encouraging investment

The consultation for the inquiry will run until 17th July and findings of the inquiry will be submitted to the Department Business, Innovation and Skills. To go to the Everyday Entrepreneurs consultation document click here.