December 2019

Entries are now open for ACS’ 2020 Technology Showcase, taking place on 5^th February in Birmingham.

ACS' Technology Showcase will bring together retailers and suppliers to hear first-hand about exciting innovations in the convenience sector which retailers can use to improve their customers’ shopping experience or help them with the day to day running of their store. The Showcase will also explore the impact that technology has on local shops and the work that ACS is doing to help in this key area.

The Welsh Government has announced plans to proceed with an Order to remove Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) from ATMs as of April next year.

The decision follows a consultation launched by the Welsh Government which sought views on the Non-Domestic Rating (Small Business Relief) (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2019 and the provision of free-to-use ATMs and access to cash in Wales.

New research launched today (3^rd December) by the Association of Convenience Stores has revealed the important role that convenience stores play to both the economy and local communities in Wales.

The 2020 Welsh Local Shop Report revealed that 62% of local shops in Wales operate in rural locations, providing essential services to their local communities, including bill payment services (79%), cash machines (68%) and Post Offices (25%).