News

ACS has welcomed the passing of a Bill which will delay the next re-evaluation of business rates to 2023.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, postpones the date on which the next re-evaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect from 2022 to 2023. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its 2022 revaluation until 2023.

ACS has called on the Government and regulators to act to protect choice within the UK’s payment networks and support retailers to manage escalating payments costs.

HM Treasury’s call for evidence, Payments Landscape Review, forms the first stage of a review into the payments landscape. In its submission, ACS highlighted the vital role that local shops play in ensuring financial inclusion in communities across the UK.

Taking place virtually on 25^th 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.

I was looking to draft a blog about the future of cash, and then the government launched a call for evidence on … the future of cash, so here are my thoughts which now kind of double as a framework for how we will respond to this consultation. The debate about the future of cash in the UK economy and specifically in convenience stores touches on lots of the issues that I find really interesting about our sector and how we manage change.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new call for evidence from the Government on the future of the UK’s cash system.

Under the proposals, announced this morning (15^th October), cashback could be made available in shops for customers that wouldn’t be required to make a purchase to access the service.

The plans would also give the overall responsibility for the UK’s cash system and protecting access to cash to the Financial Conduct Authority.

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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:

As is the theme of 2020, this year’s Heart of the Community conference looked rather different to our usual setup, due to Covid-19 were unable to gather physically so instead this was done virtually and I’m pleased to say that this was done successfully.

Today (13^th October) ACS’ Heart of the Community Conference brought together convenience retailers, industry experts and senior policymakers to discuss the latest policy agenda and celebrate local shops’ response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Bestselling author and political academic Professor Matthew Goodwin addressed the conference, providing insight on the current political landscape, the forces shaping British politics and how these policies could impact convenience retailers and their businesses.

The Government has responded an inquiry by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee into the impact of Covid-19 on food supply, highlighting the key role that local shops have played in feeding their communities since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.