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Staff Profiles

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Chief Executive James Lowman

James 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 Chamberlain

Paul 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 Brennan

Shane 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.

Retail Business Manager Jason Davies

Jason started at ACS in January 2008.  He will be focussing on developing the ACS advice package for retailers, managing the relationships with multiple retailers and increasing awareness of ACS throughout the independent retail environment.  Jason joins us from Martin McColl Retail Group where he worked for 16 years, working his way up from Store Manager to News Operations Manager.

Communications Co-ordinator Nina Collins

Nina started at ACS in November 2007 and is responsible for all ACS internal communications including editing the website and ACS' bi-monthly newsletter. She is also responsible for trade PR communications. Nina joins ACS from BAE Systems plc where she spent six years as a Communications Associate working in Internal Communications and PR alike.

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.

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, healthy eating, environment and forecourt issues.

Public Affairs Assistant Helen Davies
Helen joined ACS in February 2008 having graduated from Leeds University in 2007 with a Politics degree. Helen is responsible for policy areas that include; planning, the competition commission inquiry, the budget and environment. Before coming to work for ACS Helen interned at Quintus Public Affairs.
Commercial Assistant Julie Gale

Julie has worked for ACS since May 2003 and is responsible for the running of the database, the memberships and also works as the financial assistant.

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.