News

There’s just two weeks until ACS’ annual Innovation Showcase, taking place virtually on 24^th November.

The Innovation Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest products and services set to transform the sector.

This virtual event provides an opportunity for suppliers to showcase a product or service that has been launched in 2021 or will be launching in the future and shows clear innovation in the retail industry. A panel of retailers will then offer their expert opinion on each entry.

Save the date for the parliamentary launch of ACS’ Rural Shop Report 2022, taking place on Tuesday 25^th January 2022.

The launch event will explore the findings of the report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector and the role that they play in communities across the UK.

MP for North Devon, Selaine Saxby, has been confirmed to speak at the launch and will talk about the importance of rural stores in her constituency.

The Welsh Government has announced plans to strengthen the coronavirus protective measures that are already in place in Wales in response to high infection rates.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the publication of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) final report into the card-acquiring market review.

Published today (3rd November) the report recognises the need to encourage retailers to search and switch or negotiate a better deal with existing providers and to reduce the obstacles to retailers getting a better deal.

Content supplied by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners:

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) kicks off its annual Coca-Cola Trademark Christmas countdown this month with the launch of a brand new on-pack promotion, to help retailers and shoppers enjoy a sparkling Christmas.

The Welsh Government has announced plans to strengthen the coronavirus protective measures that are already in place in Wales in response to high infection rates.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers to ensure that they are aware of the rules and guidelines that apply to the sale and storage of fireworks.

Retailers must apply for permission to store fireworks from their local trading standards service or fire authority. If permission to store fireworks is granted, then fireworks can be sold within the following dates:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has signed up to the Women’s Safety Night Charter, reflecting local shops’ commitment to ensuring the safety of people entering their stores.

The Night Charter has been created by the London Assembly and Mayor of London in an effort to help women feel welcome and confident in their local areas at night. It is part of the Mayor’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and London’s commitment to the UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces global initiative.

The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed the Chancellor’s action to support businesses through green investment incentives.  

In his Budget speech to Parliament today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP announced that green investments such as solar panels and heat pumps would be exempt from business rates. Additionally, investment in improvements to businesses will not be subject to business rates for 12 months after that investment is made. Subject to confirming eligibility, local shops will also benefit from a 50% reduction in their rates bills for 2022/23. 

In its’ submission to the Autumn Budget, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the Government to introduce tax reform measures that will help convenience retailers invest in the future of their business, including the extension of 100% business rate relief to all businesses with a rateable value of under £51,000.