New Politics, New Approach for Industry Trade Bodies
31 May 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) have set out a new agreement which aims to put the concerns of convenience stores higher up the political agenda in Westminster and Holyrood. The two organisations have reached an agreement which will improve the connections and expertise of both organisations, whilst maintaining the autonomy of each
The agreement builds upon the close working ties that have been developed during the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the grocery market. The move recognises the reach and influence of the two trade bodies in the corridors of power in London and Edinburgh.
The arrangement will give ACS members the opportunity to influence policy debates in Scotland where reforms to tobacco and alcohol laws are likely to influence similar debate in England and Wales. Likewise SGF will be able to contribute to issues decided in Westminster such as employment regulations like the minimum wage or national economic policy, as well as have a say in issues that have a bearing on decision making in Holyrood.
James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS said: “We are pleased to be able to take our relationship with SGF to a new level. Trade associations in our sector have to work closely together in order to exert maximum influence. This move gives ACS influence on Scottish politics through the expertise of SGF, and similarly we will be able to represent SGF members in Westminster. With policy developments in Scotland impacting on those in Westminster, and vice versa, both sets of members need to know that they are being professionally represented on both sides of the border, and this agreement ensures just that.
“This is a common sense move that will strengthen both organisations and give members a louder and clearer voice in all the debates that affect them.”
John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF said: “This is a time of great political change; a new Prime Minister and a new Scottish Executive require a new approach to lobbying. Now more than ever it is vital that our industry gets the recognition it deserves.
“The new politics requires a new approach, SGF members need a greater say in what is happening at Westminster and we are pleased that ACS can facilitate. This agreement extends our influence whilst allowing SGF to focus our resources on issues like planning, licensing and crime which are decided by the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh.”
Contact:
Rachel Lawson ACS Communications Co-ordinator 01252 515001
Gordon MacRae SGF Public Affairs Adviser 07894 935 580
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. SGF promotes responsible community retailing and works with the Government and the media to encourage a greater understanding of the contribution convenience retailers make to Scotland’s communities.
The agreement builds upon the close working ties that have been developed during the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the grocery market. The move recognises the reach and influence of the two trade bodies in the corridors of power in London and Edinburgh.
The arrangement will give ACS members the opportunity to influence policy debates in Scotland where reforms to tobacco and alcohol laws are likely to influence similar debate in England and Wales. Likewise SGF will be able to contribute to issues decided in Westminster such as employment regulations like the minimum wage or national economic policy, as well as have a say in issues that have a bearing on decision making in Holyrood.
James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS said: “We are pleased to be able to take our relationship with SGF to a new level. Trade associations in our sector have to work closely together in order to exert maximum influence. This move gives ACS influence on Scottish politics through the expertise of SGF, and similarly we will be able to represent SGF members in Westminster. With policy developments in Scotland impacting on those in Westminster, and vice versa, both sets of members need to know that they are being professionally represented on both sides of the border, and this agreement ensures just that.
“This is a common sense move that will strengthen both organisations and give members a louder and clearer voice in all the debates that affect them.”
John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF said: “This is a time of great political change; a new Prime Minister and a new Scottish Executive require a new approach to lobbying. Now more than ever it is vital that our industry gets the recognition it deserves.
“The new politics requires a new approach, SGF members need a greater say in what is happening at Westminster and we are pleased that ACS can facilitate. This agreement extends our influence whilst allowing SGF to focus our resources on issues like planning, licensing and crime which are decided by the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh.”
Contact:
Rachel Lawson ACS Communications Co-ordinator 01252 515001
Gordon MacRae SGF Public Affairs Adviser 07894 935 580
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. SGF promotes responsible community retailing and works with the Government and the media to encourage a greater understanding of the contribution convenience retailers make to Scotland’s communities.