According to the body, it is urging the government to make legislative changes through the Keep Trade Local campaign because larger firms are taking over city centres and pushing smaller retailers out.

Clive Davenport, FSB trade and industry chairman, believes independent shops make a major impact to the local community and to the economy as a whole.

‘Politicians … can make a difference by putting in place transparent and fair planning and procurement policies,’ he adds.

‘But they need to wake up quickly to prevent disaster and Keep Trade Local.’

The five areas which the FSB wants politicians to tackle are business rates, parking charges, post office closures, public procurement and crime prevention.

A petition has been added to the Downing Street website supporting the campaign and the FSB has also produced a Small Business Manifesto which is intended to encourage legislators to help smaller firms.