ACS

7 May 2010

James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reflected the concerns of local shops about the period of leadership uncertainty:

“All the time the politicians are squabbling and spinning, local shops are struggling to cope with banks that don’t lend them money, crime in the communities we serve, and costly regulation.”

“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.”