ACS

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has stressed the need for consensus in a Hung Parliament on the issues affecting local shops.

ACS will be calling on the new Government to recognise the role local shops play at the Heart of the Community and to assist them by taking action in these three areas:
 

• Reducing cost 
• Tackling crime 
• Fair business

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Whatever the make-up of the new Government, they must work together and do more to help convenience stores. At this difficult economic time, legislation must reduce the costs on businesses, not increase them further.

“We will look to the new Government to implement a Grocery Market Ombudsman, a policy which has cross party support. There needs to be a level playing field for retailers, to ensure the local shops can fairly thrive and grow.”

“There is also an urgent need to tackle the crime against retailers. We have seen many high profile attacks in the news which but there also the need to tackle the daily abuse and intimidation retailers face.

“A significant number of our members have been heavily involved in the election process this year. Through our Local Shop Campaign programme many local candidates became aware of the issues effecting neighbourhood retailers. We are now keen to extend the programme and would welcome any retailers who are eager to get their voice heard at local level with their newly elected or returning MPs.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan, Public Affairs Director
01252 533009 / 07921 372978

Chris Noice, Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.