News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Chancellor’s support for local shops by extending the 75% business rates discount for retail and hospitality businesses through 2024-25.

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The Government has confirmed that the headline rate of the National Living Wage will rise to £11.44 per hour in April 2024. 

Announced today by the Treasury (21 November), the new headline NLW rate will apply to everyone aged 21 and over (was previously 23 or over) and confirms that the Government will meet its target of increasing the National Living Wage to two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. 

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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its calls on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to give convenience store retailers the incentives necessary to invest in the safety, security and long term future of their businesses.

In its submission to the Autumn Statement, taking place on 22nd November, ACS has called on the Chancellor to support retailers with stability on business rates, pragmatism on future wage increases, and a commitment to tackling crime in communities across the UK.

Key measures recommended by ACS in the submission include:

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A coalition of hospitality, retail and leisure organisations, including ACS, have written to the Chancellor urging him to freeze the business rates multiplier and extend existing reliefs for a further year at the upcoming Autumn Statement.

In a joint letter, ACS, UKHospitality, British Retail Consortium, British Independent Retail Association and ukactive are warning that businesses, jobs and the future of high streets are at risk without support.

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Taking place on 21st November at the National Football Museum in Manchester, our Innovation Showcase is a must-attend event for retailers and suppliers to discover the latest products and services which are set to transform convenience retailing.

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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is supporting Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week, which aims to raise awareness about the increase in violence and abuse against retail workers and promote the message of respect for shopworkers.

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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced the shortlist for the 2023 Innovation Showcase, taking place in Manchester on 21^st November.

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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Government’s focus on tackling serious crime in the Kings’ Speech, and has called on the Government to clarify how measures in the Sentencing Bill will support retailers dealing with unprecedented levels of shop theft.

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ACS has highlighted the upcoming challenges facing retailers on key areas like vaping, HFSS products, digital proof of age, and recycling at its Responsible Retailing Forum.

 

At today’s online forum, retailers and suppliers discussed the latest developments on HFSS in Wales and Scotland, upcoming environmental regulations including the disposable cup takeback scheme, developments in digital proof of age schemes to help prevent underage sales, and how vaping enforcement is being carried out to reduce the impact of illicit and illegal vapes on our streets.

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An ban on single use plastic has been implemented in Wales today (30 October). Retailers in Wales will not be able to sell or supply to customers the following single use plastic items:

1.    Plates – this includes paper plates with a laminated plastic surface
2.    Cutlery – for example forks, spoons, knives
3.    Drinks stirrers – those designed for stirring drinks or liquid food
4.    Cups made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene

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