ACS

The convenience industry came together in Birmingham today to take part in ACS Summit 09. The event, which is the centrepiece of the convenience calendar, gave 400 delegates the chance to discuss the main opportunities and challenges the industry faces. This unique event brought together a broad range of wholesalers, suppliers and convenience retailers from major national and international companies to independent local shops.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Summit 09 is about facing the big strategic challenges and looking at practical ideas that we can take away and put into practice, whether we are a large convenience retailer or an independent. The breadth of delegates, the way the audience take part in the debate and the quality of the speakers, makes Summit unique and important for the sector.”

Organised around the four themes of The Future, Uniqueness, People and Passion; Summit 09 delivered a range of speakers, case studies and customer insights. Speakers included leading industry figures Guy McCracken, Steven Fox, Nigel Mills and Jerry Marwood; visionary and inspiring speakers like David Smith of Global Futures and Olympic Cycling Coach Dave Brailsford; and unique to ACS Summit a number of independent retailers were showcased from the platform and through the video case studies.

ACS Summit 09 is made possible by its sponsors Cuisine de France, GlaxoSmithKline and Payzone.

James Lowman explained the four themes: “Under The Future we looked forward at the trends that will shape the future of local shops so we can prepare to see off the threats and harness the opportunities.

“The convenience market gets more competitive every day, and being unique is a way to sustain a compelling offer. Today we looked at the practical ways that retailers can be unique.

“Whatever the strategy, it is delivered by People. Harnessing the positive energy and enthusiasm of those who work in this industry to deliver outstanding service is important now more than ever.

“We concluded by looking at the intangible quality that is shared by all great retailers: Passion. Passionate retailers are bursting to face the future, to differentiate themselves and to help their people to develop.”

Michael McIntyre, the comedian whose live DVD is the fastest selling stand-up DVD of all time, entertained the Summit Gala dinner guests. The Gala dinner was kindly sponsored by Procter & Gamble.
 

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Summit 09 is the fourth ACS Summit.