ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed all current and prospective combined authority mayoral candidates ahead of the elections taking place on 6th May.
In the briefing, ACS provided candidates with convenience sector data specific to their combined authority, including information on: the number of local shops, number of jobs and investment made by convenience retailers over the last year.
Findings from ACS’ 2020 Local Shop Report reveal the significant social and economic contribution that the convenience sector makes to communities, investing around £585 million in their stores over the past year and providing over 412,000 local, flexible and secure jobs to the areas that they serve.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores have remained open throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, providing customers with essential products and services and we welcome the opportunity to brief candidates ahead of elections to highlight the role local shops play within their community.
“It is also important that convenience stores get support at a local level to tackle rising business costs and regulatory challenges, as well tackling the scourge of crime faced by our sector.”
ACS will be engaging with several elections on 6th May, including: Scottish Parliamentary, Welsh Assembly, Police and Crime Commissioners and Combined Authority.
