A new pilot scheme is being launched in Gloucestershire to help high street businesses to work together to build their digital presence and promote their stores to customers. The pilot is linked to the government's Future High Streets Forum, of which ACS is a board member.
The pilot will initially focus on Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, and will include;
ACS has produced comprehensive new guidance for retailers on the upcoming changes to tobacco retailing coming into force as part of the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive and Standardised Packaging legislation.
From this Friday (20th May 2016), manufacturers will only be able to produce tobacco in standardised packaging and in a minimum pack size of 20, with restrictions also being put in place for roll your own tobacco. Retailers have a sell-through period of one year in which to ensure that all of their stock is compliant with the new regulations.
The Government has set out its legislative agenda for the upcoming parliament, confirming the introduction of proposals announced by the Chancellor and Prime Minister over the last year including the local retention of business rates and a new levy on soft drinks.
The new Local Growth and Jobs Bill will put a framework in place to allow local authorities to retain 100% of the business rates they levy. Mayors will also be given the power to raise additional funding for infrastructure projects if they have the support of local businesses.
ACS is calling on convenience retailers to engage with their newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners and work with them on raising the profile and importance of crime against their businesses, especially on the issue of penalties for shop theft offences.
Ahead of the elections on May 5th, ACS contacted a number of candidates across England and Wales, asking them to commit to a series of measures that would help local shops deal with crime in their area.
The commitments were:
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to take advantage of a new platform to allow them to train their staff on Assured Advice.
The platform, which has been developed by online learning company Bolt, will allow any ACS member to sign up to the Assured Advice scheme and benefit from both the assurance of the guides and industry leading training modules for staff members.
