Staff Profiles
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Chief Executive James LowmanJames was appointed ACS Chief Executive in November 2006, since when he has grown the organisation which now represents 33,000 local shops. He joined ACS in 1997 and progressed to Public Affairs Director, running all ACS policy work including successful campaigns to preserve Sunday trading laws, to see the grocery market referred to the Competition Commission, and to support members during the transition to the Licensing Act 2003.
During his tenure as ACS Chief Executive, James has re-focused the organisation on lobbying and providing a strong voice for local shops on advising members on impending legislation and other issues, and offering an industry-leading programme of events and networking opportunities. James also sits on the boards of the leading proof of age scheme CitizenCard, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS), Action Against Business Crime, and ACS’ specialist news arm, the Association of News Retailing.
James has a degree in Politics from the University of Essex, and an MBA from Kingston Business School. |
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Commercial Director Paul ChamberlainPaul joined ACS in March 2007, having previously been responsible for the relationships with retailers through the management of National Account teams within the Magazine and Newspaper industry. As Commercial Director at ACS Paul actively seeks to recruit and retain members across all membership streams through ensuring that maximum value is gained through membership, as well as organising the most topical and relevant events to provide networking and sharing of best practise across the sector. Paul is a Business Graduate and started his career in retail at Martin McColls. |
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Public Affairs Director Shane BrennanShane has been with ACS since 2002, he is responsible for the public affairs and communications teams. An experienced lobbyist and campaigner for the local shop sector, Shane has been integral to a number of ACS big political successes including the campaign to prevent a change to the law on Sunday Trading and convincing the authorities to conduct a full investigation into competition the grocery market. He also has strategic responsibility for ACS website and other communications materials. Shane is a graduate of the University of Warwick with a BA in History and Politics and a Master degree, Shane came to ACS via working for a local authority. |
ANR Managing Director - John Lennon
John has been with ACS for five years and is the Managing Director of the Association of News Retailers and is leading retailers response to two OFT enquiries into the news industry. Prior to joining ACS John was the Operations Director of Newsforce Promotions Limited. Before this John owned and operated a successful multi- site convenience store business for over 20 years and as a result has a great understanding of the challenges that face the sector. Owning his own business coupled with his active representations of independent retailers through his experience as NFRN branch secretary and North East District President also enables John to fully appreciate the needs of the independent member. John is a Business Studies graduate.
Finance Manager - Elaine Ash
Elaine joined ACS in November 2006. Elaine looks after the accounts and the infrastructure, her days vary from producing the management accounts to managing the office. Elaine has spent the last 15 years working full time as Finance Manager/Accountant/ IT person, 11 of which working for a local wine importer as Accountant/Office Manager.
Events Manager - Sarah Johnson
Sarah started at ACS in March 2007. She is responsible for organising all events that ACS run, these include about 40 events a year ranging from forums and meetings to study tours and the annual ACS Summit. Sarah also provides the Commercial Director with support.
Communications Co-ordinator - Chris Noice
Chris joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University in 2009 with a degree in English and Linguistics. Since graduating, Chris has worked as a freelance journalist and graphic designer at national magazines and newspapers. He is responsible for all ACS internal communications including editing the website and ACS' bi-monthly newsletter. He is also responsible for trade and national PR communications.
Public Affairs Executive - Jenny Brown
Jenny joined ACS in January 2007 having graduated from York University in 2006 with a joint degree in History and English. Jenny works in the Public Affairs department and the policy areas she is responsible for include alcohol, tobacco, and environment issues.
Public Affairs Assistant - Edward Woodall
Edward joined ACS in September 2009 having graduated from Roehampton University in 2007. Since graduating Edward has interned at Mandate Communications, Reform and Lansons Public Affairs, he has also worked at Westminster Forum Projects. Edward works in the Public Affairs Team on policy issues including; planning, employment, finance and regulation.
Commercial Executive - Amy Searle
Amy joined ACS in March 2009 having graduated from Cardiff University in 2008 with a degree in Business Management. As Commercial Executive at ACS, Amy actively seeks to develop and implement market leading service packages to recruit and retain membership of ACS. Amy is responsible for managing existing relationships with members and to work with Paul, Commercial Director, to grow retail and supplier membership.
Commercial Assistant - Hannah Williams
Hannah joined ACS in November 2009 having graduated from Exeter University in 2008 with a degree in History and Society. As Commercial Assistant at ACS, Hannah supports the work of the Commercial department, specifically working with Paul Chamberlain to manage existing relationships with supplier members and to help grow supplier membership.
PA to Chief Executive - Lorraine Williams
Lorraine joined ACS in March 2007 as Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive, James Lowman. Lorraine is responsible for diary management and administration for the Chief Executive, James Lowman. She also organises staff social events. Prior to working for ACS Lorraine worked mainly in Sales Support roles, most recently for a supplier of commercial fitness equipment.