Safe and Responsible Retailing Conference

Chris brings first-hand experience of operating a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in his stores in Ireland. His practical understanding of the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of DRS implementation offers valuable insight into how the scheme should be developed for convenience stores in the UK.

Natalie has a First Class Honours degree in Business Studies (Management & Organisation). Natalie has owned and run the store since Dec 2006. She now runs the store with her husband and she has 15 members of staff. Natalie has three children and has set up a mental health programme for retailers. Her focus instore is to grow home delivery and increase profitability.

Having completed the traditional academic route, qualifying in Law and Criminal justice, decided to pursue criminals on the frontline in a bid to making a difference to the community. Having completed 10 years as a Police Officer, I opted to settle into family life with more grounded and career in retail.

Gareth Lewis serves as the Chairman for UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), a key organization focused on tackling business crime by connecting retailers, businesses, and authorities through advanced crime reporting and intelligence-sharing platforms, aiming to reduce repeat offenses and create safer communities.

Under his leadership, UKPAC has forged partnerships with Police and Crime Commissioners and other bodies like Retailers Against Crime (RAC) to enhance national efforts against retail and business crime, utilizing technology for better evidence gathering and prosecution.

In addition to his role at UKPAC, Gareth brings over 25 years of senior experience in loss prevention and security management within the retail sector, gained during his career at Southern Co-op.

Marsha Bell is a senior Trading Standards professional with extensive experience in consumer protection, regulatory enforcement, and licensing at Salford City Council. In her role, Marsha champions fairness and safety in the marketplace, ensuring that products sold to consumers meet legal standards and businesses operate on a level playing field.

She has played a key role in major enforcement operations, including multi-agency investigations that have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illicit vapes to protect local communities and legitimate businesses alike. Her leadership in tackling harms such as counterfeit goods, unsafe mobile accessories and non-compliant vaping products has been recognised nationally.

As Interim Organisation Lead and one of the founding members of Exchange for Change, Raymond has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the Deposit Return Scheme in the UK. He brings a wealth of international DRS expertise, having worked on multiple projects across the globe. As the author of a book on Deposit Return Systems, Raymond offers insight into the design and delivery of effective, responsible schemes.

With a degree in International & European Law and certificates in European Law from the universities of Utrecht (NL) and Leuven (B) Maarten Labberton has developed a specific expertise in European environmental legislation. He has been working in senior positions for several industries including the Dutch Food and Drinks Industry and the European Soap and Detergent manufacturers. From 2005 until 2025 he worked as Director Packaging Group of EUROPEAN ALUMINIUM, representing the manufacturers and recyclers of aluminium for packaging. In 2020 Maarten Labberton established ASTON CEC BV, an independent consultancy specialized in Circular Economy solutions. He is focusing on clients who are active in the packaging and waste management industries and who need professional advice to develop and implement innovative collection, sorting and recycling solutions in line with the European Circular Economy. Maarten joined in 2025 CMB RVM SOLUTIONS as Consultant Deposit Return Systems.

Leon has worked for CMbE for over 25 years, gaining a wealth of experience in many areas including Engineering, Manufacture and Commercial.  He achieved his Batchelors Degree in International Business and Management whilst holding several key commercial positions within the organisation.

Daniel joined the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) in February 2022 after completing a master’s degree in International Relations at Newcastle University. As Public Affairs Manager, he leads on key product regulations affecting the convenience retail sector, as well as retail crime policy.

Daniel works closely with ACS members to represent the sector’s views on major policy developments, responding to government consultations and contributing to regulatory outcomes. His work helps ensure the voice of convenience retailers is heard across every level of government.

Rosie joined ACS in February 2021, after graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Portsmouth. Before joining ACS, Rosie worked as a freelance researcher for several non-profit organisations. She is responsible for assisting the communications and public affairs team with research and analysis, used to support policy developments and keep ACS members informed.

Having recently joined ACS, Aishwari leads on policy and public affairs for environment and fuel. Her work focuses on shaping ACS’s position on key sustainability initiatives, including the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). She chairs ACS’s Expert Group on DRS, engaging with members and stakeholders to develop practical solutions for the convenience sector. Aishwari also works collaboratively with UK and Welsh Government officials and the UK Deposit Management Organisation to ensure the voices of small retailers are represented, keeping operational challenges at the heart of discussions and advocating for a workable approach to implementation.