ACS

ACS has met with Retail Minister Gareth Thomas MP to discuss how retailers are coping with the economic downturn. At the meeting the Minister set out the Government’s commitment to support local shops and listened carefully to the concerns expressed about the burden of rising costs and the need for Government to get credit flowing.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are glad to be able to raise our concerns directly with the Minister and found the discussion constructive. We focused on the pressing economic issues facing the sector. We made clear that Government can best help retailers to survive the downturn by addressing the burden of increased costs on retailers. Now is the time to reduce the burden of business rates, minimise the cost of employing staff and cease policies that will impose cost and disruption at the worst time.

“We are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and taken action to reduce the burden of the business rate increase in 2009.”

They also discussed the importance of the Prompt Payments Code, a Department for business Initiative to help smaller businesses to maintain cash flow.

Minister for Retail, Gareth Thomas MP said: “We are listening to the concerns of businesses which is why we are allowing businesses to spread the increase in business rate payments over three years.

“We are implementing a package of real help to address the cash flow, credit and borrowing needs of small business and are taking action to encourage firms to speed up the payment of bills.”

Mr Lowman concluded: “ACS is committed to promoting fair relationships between retailers and suppliers and members should consider how to incorporate the prompt payment code into their business.”