News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has joined a number of business organisations to raise concerns on Government plans to allow retail uses within town centres and local parades to be converted into housing without planning permission.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has confirmed the date for its annual Crime Seminar, which will take place virtually between 10-11.15am on 23^rd March 2021.

The event will feature the launch of the 2021 Crime Report, provide the opportunity to hear about best practice from industry experts and explore how the sector is working to tackle crime.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) consultation on the interim report for its market review into the supply of card acquiring services.

The interim report made a number of proposals:

ACS has joined retailers and trade bodies in calls for the business rates system to be reformed to make it fairer for physical stores.

In an open letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, published this morning, 18 groups including ACS, BIRA, USDAW, Tesco and Waterstones have called on the Government to make fundamental changes to the way that business rates are collected so that physical stores aren’t at a disadvantage compared to online retailers.

The letter makes the following specific recommendations:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has appointed two new directors as new representatives from the Co-op and from BP.

Hanna Hofer, Vice President of BP’s UK operations and dealer business is taking over as their representative from Dave Newton, who is leaving for a Europe-wide role with BP. Hanna has most recently worked with BP in Shanghai and before that in various roles in the UK and Europe.

Taking place virtually on 23rd February, ACS’ Rural Shop Report launch event will provide an insight into the essential role that rural shops play in their local communities and to the wider economy.

The morning launch event will reveal the findings of this year’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector, the services that they offer and the people running the stores.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on people working in local shops to provide their views on employment in the convenience sector as part of the 2021 Colleague Survey.

The survey asks colleagues to provide feedback on their experiences of working in the sector, looking at training and progression, working environments and wellbeing, employment contracts and life outside work, pay and the benefits of working in the convenience sector.  

Now in its sixth year, the ACS Colleague Survey:

Taking place virtually on 10th February 2021, ACS’ Technology Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest technology trends, products and services set to transform the sector.

The following companies were selected by ACS’ Independent Board and have been shortlisted to demonstrate their product or service at the event:

Taking place virtually on 23rd February, ACS’ Rural Shop Report launch event will provide an insight into the essential role that rural shops play in their local communities and to the wider economy.

The morning launch event will reveal the findings of this year’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector, the services that they offer and the people running the stores.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Government on plans to simplify the ‘Kickstart Scheme’, making it easier for retailers to create new job placements for their local communities.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced plans to amend its Kickstart Scheme to allow employers to apply directly from 3^rd February, regardless of the number of jobs to be funded.