As is the theme of 2020, this year’s Heart of the Community conference looked rather different to our usual setup, due to Covid-19 were unable to gather physically so instead this was done virtually and I’m pleased to say that this was done successfully.
Today (13th October) ACS’ Heart of the Community Conference brought together convenience retailers, industry experts and senior policymakers to discuss the latest policy agenda and celebrate local shops’ response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Bestselling author and political academic Professor Matthew Goodwin addressed the conference, providing insight on the current political landscape, the forces shaping British politics and how these policies could impact convenience retailers and their businesses.
The Government has responded an inquiry by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee into the impact of Covid-19 on food supply, highlighting the key role that local shops have played in feeding their communities since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.
A new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal is to be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.
The trophy was presented to Raj’s widow Sunita Aggarwal by Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman in recognition of Raj’s incredible contribution to his local community and his tireless efforts in sharing ideas and helping other retailers to improve their businesses.
Entries are open for ACS’ Innovation Showcase, taking place virtually on 25th November.
ACS’ Innovation Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest products and services set to transform the sector.
Suppliers can enter for a chance to demonstrate their product to a group of the UK’s leading convenience retailers.
ACS has welcomed additional funding for police forces and local councils to step up Covid-19 enforcement, calling for support for retailers and colleagues facing abuse in stores.
The additional £60m, split between police forces and local councils, is intended to help ensure that people are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions, especially in high risk areas. In addition to extra police on the streets, the funding is intended to provide support to local enforcement officers, stewards and marshals who are helping communities and businesses to follow the guidelines.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) and FWD (the Federation of Wholesale Distributors) have written a joint letter to Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jesse Norman MP, calling on the Government to provide urgent clarity on the status of tobacco forestalling restrictions.
Ordinarily, the tobacco forestalling regulations are in place to ensure that retailers do not stockpile products and take advantage of lower duty rates. As there is no formal Budget statement planned this year and no planned duty increase, there is confusion over the status of the regulations.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a series of new restrictions to try and tackle the spread of Covid-19.
Speaking today, the First Minister stated that from this Friday, the following will apply across Scotland (October 9th):
Content supplied by Nurture Brands:
Nurture Brands has joined the ACS to accelerate growth in the UK convenience channel, offering the sector a portfolio solution for shoppers seeking healthier, plant-based and sustainable brands.
The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed a letter from Welsh Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths, calling on chief constables across to ensure that there is proper support for the 3,000 convenience stores in Wales when dealing with Covid-19 restrictions.
