ACS

On Tuesday 3rd November ACS will host the second annual Heart of the Community Seminar in London. The event is unique in the convenience sector and affords retailers from around the UK the chance to speak directly to MPs about the issues that concern and affect them in their day-to-day business lives.

At the event ACS will launch the Heart of the Community Agenda. The Agenda sets out the things retailers want from the next Government. It shows politicians how important shops are to the communities they serve and how much local people value having access to a shop close to where they live. It runs through the major policy burdens we face and sets a clear view on how these could be improved. We call for action to tackle the burden of the minimum wage, curb the excesses of supermarkets and rethink the tobacco display ban. These practical policy options are the pledges we want from politicians that wish to support the local shop sector locally and nationally.

Confirmed key note speakers at the event include Labour MP Rosie Winterton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Business and Regulatory Reform), Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Liberal; Democrat Vice Treasurer, Jeremy Browne and roundtable MPs Liberal Democrat Manifesto Co-ordinator, Dan Rogerson; Conservative shoplifting campaigner, Anne McIntosh; and Labour MP John Grogan who has an interest in small business. Retailers will have the chance to take an active part in the debate in the MP round table discussion.

Also this year there will be a series of free workshops available in the afternoon covering a range of subjects that include working with local media; tackling crime; lobbying your local MP and appealing against local planning applications – click here for the full listing.

ACS is encouraging all retailers to come along, join the campaign and be a part of this unique event. Ring 01252 515001 to book your place.