October 2020

ACS Welcomes Launch of Firework Safety Campaign

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the launch of a new campaign from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) providing consumers with advice on how to purchase and use fireworks responsibly.

OPSS is working with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Child Accident Prevention Trust, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, focusing on advising consumers on how to use fireworks safely and considerately, protecting both people and animals from harm.

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Supplier News: Maximuscle are winning the taste race and have made it easier than ever to order

Content supplied by Kruger UK: 

Maximuscle have created a brand new line of high protein, low sugar bars that ticks all of the boxes for the consumer. They’re lower priced and easier than ever to order with the launch of their brand new business to business app and website.

Increasingly and more than ever, consumers are conscious of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the role of high protein and low sugar within it.

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ACS Welcomes Rates Revaluation Delay to 2023

ACS has welcomed the passing of a Bill which will delay the next re-evaluation of business rates to 2023.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, postpones the date on which the next re-evaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect from 2022 to 2023. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its 2022 revaluation until 2023.

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ACS: Government Action Needed to Protect Payment Choice

ACS has called on the Government and regulators to act to protect choice within the UK’s payment networks and support retailers to manage escalating payments costs.

HM Treasury’s call for evidence, Payments Landscape Review, forms the first stage of a review into the payments landscape. In its submission, ACS highlighted the vital role that local shops play in ensuring financial inclusion in communities across the UK.

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Chief Executive's Blog: The Future of Cash

I was looking to draft a blog about the future of cash, and then the government launched a call for evidence on … the future of cash, so here are my thoughts which now kind of double as a framework for how we will respond to this consultation. The debate about the future of cash in the UK economy and specifically in convenience stores touches on lots of the issues that I find really interesting about our sector and how we manage change.

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ACS Welcomes Call for Evidence on Cashback in Local Shops

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new call for evidence from the Government on the future of the UK’s cash system.

Under the proposals, announced this morning (15th October), cashback could be made available in shops for customers that wouldn’t be required to make a purchase to access the service.

The plans would also give the overall responsibility for the UK’s cash system and protecting access to cash to the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Supplier News: Quail Digital Joins ACS as a Supplier Member

Content supplied by Quail Digital: 

With a proven track record in improving team efficiency and safety within the retail environment, Quail Digital’s high quality digital headsets facilitate improved levels of communication, creating calmer, safer, more productive working environments to ensure better customer engagement. With a global client base spanning the UK, EMEA, North & Latin America and APAC, retailers such as Aldi, Lidl and Superdrug use Quail’s solutions to provide an enhanced staff and customer experience on the shop floor.

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ACS: Guidance for Local Shops on Fireworks and Seasonal Products

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers to ensure that they are aware of the rules and guidelines that apply to the sale and storage of fireworks.

Retailers must apply for permission to store fireworks from their local trading standards service or fire authority. If permission to store fireworks is granted, then fireworks can be sold within the following dates:

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