Press Releases

Small Business Minister Paul Scully MP has told the Association of Convenience Stores that he is ‘deeply shocked’ by the abuse and violence faced by people working in local shops.

In a letter to ACS CEO James Lowman, the Minister highlighted the ‘tremendous effort’ that convenience stores have made in adapting and innovating during the pandemic, paying tribute to those retailers that have ‘gone out of their way to support the more vulnerable members of the community during this time’.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Minister for Rural Affairs has been confirmed to provide a keynote address at the event, reflecting on the findings of the report and detailing the Government’s plans to support rural shops.

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.

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:

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.

More speakers have been announced for this year’s Technology Showcase, taking place virtually on 10th February 2021.

The Showcase will feature presentations from: