Two of the UKs leading trade associations have joined forces to produce new guidance for retailers on schemes run by local authorities that aim to voluntarily remove high strength alcohol from sale. The Association of Convenience Stores and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association have developed the advice following concerns raised about the approach of the so called “Reducing the Strength” initiatives across the UK.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced that convenience store chain One Stop have joined as members.
One Stop is a retail convenience business with over 750 stores across England and Wales. In addition to operating company owned stores, One Stop have recently developed a franchise model which allows independent retailers to benefit from affiliation with the group. The membership agreement with ACS will include all One Stop branded stores.
The Home Office have confirmed today that they will not allow councils to set licensing fees locally.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns about locally set licensing fees and recognised the certainty and consistency that centrally set fees provides retailers. The power for retailers to nominate their own payment date for licensing fees is also welcome and will ease administrative burdens.”
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a survey conducted by the charity, Action on Sugar, by highlighting the range of soft drink products available in convenience stores and encouraging retailers to work with communities and young people around energy drinks. The survey looked at the nutritional labels of 197 drinks found in supermarkets and online, with one product said to contain 10 teaspoons of sugar per 250ml.
ACS hosted its second Technology Showcase on 25th February at the Imperial War Museum in London. The event saw a host of technology experts exhibit their innovative convenience concepts to a room full of the most influential people in the convenience sector.
Seven companies showcased their products on the day, explaining how they can help them to increase profits, drive footfall or save money.
A shortlist of Britain's Best Small Shops have descended on Parliament today see who has been crowned the overall best small shop in the UK.
Simon Danczuk MP, Chairman of the All Party Small Shops Group, revealing the winner, said: "I am pleased to announced that the Hunters Of Helmsley, a deli in North Yorkshire, is the Winner of the Best Small Shop Competition 2015. Hunters of Helmsley was chosen by the judges for its local sourcing of produce, organisation of events to support their high street and their use of social media to engage customers."
ACS is calling on retailers to provide their views on staff training and the issues that they face when dealing with compliance in store.
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will help ACS to understand what training needs members have, and what role ACS can play in meeting these.
The Low Pay Commission, the body which advises the government on minimum wage, has recommended an increase to the current national minimum wage by 3% from £6.50 to £6.70. The increase, if accepted by the government, would come into effect in October 2015.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “With inflation running at 0.5% and many prices in store going down, this cost increase will be another challenge for convenience stores particularly for those trying to take on more staff and grow their business.
ACS is challenging retailers to take part in an exciting new section of their Summit 15 conference on 21st April 2015. The annual event, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham, will showcase hundreds of innovative convenience ideas from all over the world, and ACS is asking its members to send in their own photos to be part of it.
ACS is calling on retailers to take part in the Government’s first ever Community Clear Up Day on Saturday 21st March. The ‘national spring clean’ will aim to clear the country’s high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks of litter.
Recent figures suggest councils in England spend more than £800 million every year on street cleaning. Government ministers are encouraging people to make this a fun activity, bringing groups together with a common interest as well as freeing up millions of pounds that can be spent on other vital public services.
