ACS

ACS concluded another successful Convenience Retailing Show with an announcement of the result of the on-stand vote. Throughout the three days ACS were asking retailers to have their say on the things Government could do to support the retail sector. The consultation forms part of a programme of activity run by ACS to help set the agenda for local shops between now and the next election.

CRS retailers ranked the five priorities as follows:

1. Reduce business rates
2. Abandon the tobacco display ban
3. Introduce a supermarket regulator,
4. Tougher action against shop thieves,
5. Stop increases in the minimum wage.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "We are delighted with the level of engagement from retailers with our consultation. Retailers chose reducing business rates as their top priority, but there was strong opinion in favour of all the topics. It is clear that retailers care passionately about the way that taxes and regulation affect their business. We will take this message to Government as part of our ongoing campaigning work.

“This year’s show was a great success and we were able to engage with retailers about the issues that matter to them. We also had a busy time in our advice centre providing the kind of licensing and legal advice that is available everyday to ACS members.”

ACS also hosted an engaged and lively Retailer Forum. ACS Public Affairs team set out the case for campaigning and retailers shared their views on the major issues in the consultation.

CRS took place between the 1st and 3rd March at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.