ACS to Join Conservative Commission into Small Shops
ACS, the campaigning voice of local shops, has welcomed the announcement of a Conservative Commission into Small Shops in the High Street.
The Commission is chaired by Brian Binley MP (Northampton South) and has been set up by the Conservative Parliamentary Enterprise Group to review the future of Britain’s High Streets. The objectives of the Commission are to help with the regeneration of the country’s town centres and to create a report which will add to the national debate on this important subject, influence Government and guide party policy.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman has accepted an invitation to be a member of the Commission, he said: “This is a timely examination of issues affecting small shops. I am looking forward to analysing the evidence and helping to come up with proposals that will make a difference not just to our members but to communities throughout the country.”
ACS will also be providing evidence to the Commission drawing out the issues that are important to convenience retailers, including parking and planning policy, employment regulations and competition in the grocery market.
James Lowman continued: “It is excellent that this Commission has been set up and I am delighted to be involved.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The deadline for submissions to the Commission is 24 October.
3. The report will be published by March 2008.
4. Members of the Commission are:
Chair: Brian Binley MP (Northampton South),
Philip Dunne MP (Ludlow),
John Redwood MP (Wokingham),
Nigel Evans MP (Ribble Valley),
Mr Paul Hobden (architect and town-planner)
Representative from the Federation of Small Business,
Representative from the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers,
Representative from the Association of Chief Police Officers,
James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores.