News

ACS has welcomed the freezing of the business rates multiplier in 2021/22, and has called on the Government to act soon to announce further details of business rate reliefs available to businesses next year. 

ACS has welcomed the Government’s announcement on 2021 wage rates as a measure that will help retailers keep more colleagues employed.

In today’s Spending Review, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed that the Government have accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in full for wage increases in 2021. From April 2021, the National Living Wage rate will rise to £8.91 per hour, a 2.2% increase on current rates. The National Living Wage will also apply for all staff aged 23 and over (currently aged 25 and over).

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a HM Treasury call for evidence, calling on the Government to take urgent action to secure long-term access to cash.

In its submission, ACS makes a number of key recommendations, including:

Taking place virtually on 25th November, ACS’ 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.

The following companies have been shortlisted:

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths MS is confirmed to speak at the launch of ACS’ 2021 Welsh Local Shop Report.

Taking place online on 8^th December, the launch event will provide a comprehensive overview of the convenience sector in Wales and explore the vital contribution that local shops make to the Welsh economy and the communities that they serve.

ACS research assistant Phoebe Clifford will present the findings of the 2021 Welsh Local Shop Report and explore how Welsh policymakers can support local shops in Wales.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced the shortlist of companies who will be present at the 2020 Innovation Showcase.

Taking place virtually on 25th November, ACS’ 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.

The following companies have been shortlisted:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement today of a range of environmental initiatives including confirmation that cars fully powered by petrol or diesel cannot be produced after 2030. Key measures announced include:

Content supplied by Mondelez International: 

Mondelēz International, makers of the nation’s favourite treats including Cadbury Dairy Milk, BelVita, Maynard’s Bassetts and OREO is removing all plastic trays from its adult selection boxes in the UK and Ireland this Christmas - the equivalent of 33 tonnes of plastic - as part of the company’s strategy to optimise its packaging through either reduction or removal, contributing to its global target to eliminate 65,000 tonnes of packaging by the end of 2020.

Content supplied by Henderson Technology: 

Henderson Technology has developed the award winning EDGEPoS solution and is one of the only worldwide EPOS systems that has been designed by retailers, for retailers.

We provide forward-thinking software solutions for retailers, enabling their business to maintain a competitive edge and ultimately boost profitability.

Products that Henderson Technology offers as integrated with the EDGEPoS system includes:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has warned that the Government increase in duty rates on tobacco products will drive more consumers to the illicit tobacco market.

Announced today (12th November) the duty rate on all tobacco products will increase by 2% above Retail Price Index (RPI), hand-rolling tobacco will rise by an additional 4%, to 6% and the Minimum Excise Tax by an additional 2%, to 4% above RPI inflation this year.

The increase will take effect from Monday 16th November 2020.