ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is the campaigning voice for over 33,500 local shops. As the c-store industry champion, ACS supports its members through political lobbying, advising on retail legislation, and running industry events. ACS also provides a range of tailored services giving practical advice that helps develop your business.
What does ACS membership include?
Your Voice within the Sector’s Voice: Being a member of ACS gives you direct influence over ACS policy on all of the political issues that affect your business. It also gives you first and best information on new policy developments and their impact on convenience store retailers.
Assured Advice: Assured Advice has been developed for convenience store owners by ACS and Surrey County Council. By signing up to our Assured Advice scheme and following the guidance, store procedures must be respected by ALL local enforcement officers including environmental health and trading standards.
Access to the member portal : The members portal provides you with updates all news and information coming out of ACS. It includes the latest guidance, including HFSS and Natasha’s law. It has details of all our upcoming events as well as the opportunity to catch up on any online events you might have missed.
There are details on employment law, legal compliance, best practice and examples of contracts you might need, in effect giving you the support of a virtual HR department.
Access to ACS helplines: We have tailored helplines available for members on key issues like legal compliance and licensing. If you experience a problem with your alcohol licence or with a member of staff, ACS are here to help. Advisors are selected for their in-depth retail knowledge, and are always worth a call to make sure you are compliant with new legislation and following best practice. More information on the helplines and legal support is available here.
Free attendance at ACS Events: ACS runs a number of events throughout the year on subjects like Responsible Retailing and Crime Prevention, as well as Showcases, and Hosted One2Ones allowing for an increased interaction with suppliers and other independent retailers, including the ACS Independent Board. These are free to members but cost £150 to non-members.
Electronic updates: Receive regular email updates on the work ACS is doing as well as reporting on news issues affecting the convenience sector.
Exclusive Whatsapp Group: ACS Members have the opportunity to join a Whatsapp group to join in discussions with other retailers, ask questions and share information and experiences, information from suppliers and receive up to the minute information from ACS.
What does ACS do?
Political Lobbying: ACS has constant access to key decision-makers in Government and Parliament. As a result, ACS is an established, widely respected and influential voice for the convenience sector, ensuring that the voice of local shops is heard at a local, national and European level.
Industry Leading Advice: ACS members have access to expert advice covering all the major issues faced by convenience store owners and how they affect their business, often saving them the need to hire extra employees or expensive consultants.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities: ACS supports its members with a series of events that inform and advise in order to help you achieve benchmarked standards in your business, as well as providing excellent networking opportunities. ACS events are open to all and free to attend for ACS members.
How do I join?
A full description of the annual membership fees is available here. If you would like to become an ACS member, give us a call on 01252 533005 or email Sarah C Johnson at [email protected]
