ACS chief executive James Lowman has called on the government to recognise the importance of domestic issues like crime, employment costs and the convenience sector’s role in helping protect the environment.
Speaking at the Heart of the Community conference in Westminster, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The convenience sector is facing significant challenges, including variable and sometimes unacceptable police response to crimes committed against retailers and their staff, rising employment costs, and defining the right ways for local shops to help customers to recycle and reduce their environmental impact. Keeping these issues high on the agenda of both local and national government, despite the ongoing Brexit negotiations and other priorities, is crucial if we are to help deliver workable policies that support local shops.”
The conference featured three expert panels on the environment, people and employment. Each panel session was introduced by a film produced in partnership with trade press editors.
The environment film, produced with David Rees, editor of Convenience Store Magazine, is available here. The film looks at the issues surrounding plans to introduce a deposit return scheme in the UK and what retailers are currently doing to make their stores and products more environmentally friendly.
The employment film, produced with David Shrimpton, editor of Independent Retail News, is available here. The film looks at the impact that rising wage costs are having on the convenience sector, what the Low Pay Commission is considering ahead of its recommendations on future wage rates, and how the wider labour market is changing.
The crime film, produced with Jack Courtez, news editor of Retail Express, is available here. The film looks at the issues retailers are having with police response to crimes, the links between shop theft and abuse, and what retailers can do to build partnerships with local forces and Police and Crime Commissioners.
