Press Office
Chief Executive's Blog
Last week, I found myself speaking at a conference of environmental health officers and trading standards officers. Not my usual audience, but an important one for both ACS and our members. When I speak to retailers, it’s often the local enforcement of legislation that matters more than the national political debate, so staying close to the people who are visiting members’ stores is an important part of what we do – hence my appearance on two panel sessions at this event.
What always strikes me when I get face to face with enforcement officers is how the often polarized positions I see from national lobby groups get overtaken by a desire to come to a sensible practical outcome...
About us
ACS is the campaigning voice of over 33,500 local shops. As the convenience store champion ACS supports its members through lobbying, advice on legislation and issues that affect retailers, and through learning and networking events.
Membership of ACS comprises both retailers and suppliers, and the organisation prides itself on its ability to garner information and knowledge from the sector as a whole. This is then used to provide insight and practical help to benefit all members.
The core purpose of ACS is to lobby and champion the convenience store channel through strong leadership and good communication. ACS complements this by providing a range of services designed specifically for local shops to help them develop their businesses.
All press enquiries should be directed to:
Shane Brennan, Public Affairs Director
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
shane.brennan@acs.org.uk
Chris Noice, Communications Executive
01252 515001
chris.noice@acs.org.uk
If you would like to be added to ACS’ press release list please contact Chris Noice either via email specifying whether you would like to receive trade news, national news or both, or by calling 01252 515001.
Our latest releases are below.
ACS: Make Your Parade a Portas Pilot
ACS has backed Government plans to fund twelve pilot schemes to re-invigorate towns. The fund comes on the back of the well-received Portas review into High Streets and aims to support local businesses and councils to implement the findings of that review.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “This is a great opportunity for local shops to reach out to other businesses, councils and local people to change the places where they trade. It doesn’t just relate to big city centres – small towns and urban parades… Read More »
ACS Publishes Guide to Tobacco Display Ban for Large Stores
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has published a guide to the tobacco display ban. The new rules come into force for all large stores (larger than 280sqm of retail floor space) in England on 6th April 2012 and for all other stores on 6th April 2015.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The tobacco display ban is a major burden on retailers that is already causing significant disruption and upheaval. Our guide is designed to help retailers with the crucial task of training their staff. This easy to…
Read More »
Local Shops Welcome Consultation on Victims Code
Retailers and staff who are victims of violent crime are set to be treated the same as any other victims as a result of changes to the Victims Code announced by the Justice Secretary on Tuesday. The announcement marks a breakthrough for ACS, which has been calling for clarity and consistency.
The announcement came as Ken Clarke, the Justice Secretary, published a consultation to review the Victims Code. The Victims Code sets out how victims of crime should be supported but at present the provision for business are unclear…
Read More »