ACS

On 17 November, retailers from across the country are attending Services and Rates forums to discuss the issues surrounding business rates and services in the community.

The events will feature presentations from Justine Greening MP, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government, Andrew Keeling, Liberal Democrat Business Advisor and many others.

This is a free event for ACS members and retailers belonging to symbol groups in ACS membership. Places are £150 to non-members. To book your place or to find out further information about the seminar please contact ACS on 01252 515001 or email sarah.johnson@acs.org.uk

The agendas for both forums are below

Services Forum Agenda

09.00 Registration & Coffee

09.30 Introduction from ACS

Joe Oldman from Help the Aged- on the importance of having service providers in all communities

Mike Igoe from PayPoint- To explain their plans for providing services to the community

Keith Rosser and Mike Granville from Post Office- To explain how they provide services to the community

Q&A

11.00 Break

Mike Whitehead- BIS lead for Post Offices to discuss Government policy in this area

Andrew Keeling- Liberal Democrat Business Advisor to discuss their view on services in the community

Andy Burrows from Consumer Focus- to discuss the importance of services to consumers

Steve Bryant from NoteMachine- To discuss the value of cash machines in communities

Q&A

1.00 Lunch
 

Rates Forum Agenda

14.00 Registration

14.10 Lesley Searle from the Valuation Office Agency- will discuss the release of the rateable values for 2010 and the communication channels available for businesses to explore their new rates.

14. 35 Nick Cooper from the Department for Communities and Local Government – will present a round up of policy developments from CLG and the potential for future rate relief.

15.00 Tony Jemmett FRICS from Jemmett Manley and Associates Chartered Surveyors - will provide advice on how retailers can challenge their rates, and the impact of the new rateable values.

15.30 Change of venue to Westminster Hall to meet with Justine Greening MP, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government – meeting room W4 Westminster Hall.

16.00 Justine Greening MP, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government – Justine Greening MP will discuss Conservative Party policy on business rates.

16.40 Shane Brennan from the Association of Convenience Stores – will conclude the session with a summary of key points and an explanation of ACS’ work in this area.