February 2021

Retailers and Trade Bodies Call for Business Rates Reform in 2021 Budget

ACS has joined retailers and trade bodies in calls for the business rates system to be reformed to make it fairer for physical stores.

In an open letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, published this morning, 18 groups including ACS, BIRA, USDAW, Tesco and Waterstones have called on the Government to make fundamental changes to the way that business rates are collected so that physical stores aren’t at a disadvantage compared to online retailers.

The letter makes the following specific recommendations:

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Hanna Hofer (BP) and Ali Jones (Co-Op) Join ACS Board

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has appointed two new directors as new representatives from the Co-op and from BP.

Hanna Hofer, Vice President of BP’s UK operations and dealer business is taking over as their representative from Dave Newton, who is leaving for a Europe-wide role with BP. Hanna has most recently worked with BP in Shanghai and before that in various roles in the UK and Europe.

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Book Your Place at ACS’ 2021 Rural Shop Report Launch!

Taking place virtually on 23rd February, ACS’ Rural Shop Report launch event will provide an insight into the essential role that rural shops play in their local communities and to the wider economy.

The morning launch event will reveal the findings of this year’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector, the services that they offer and the people running the stores.

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ACS: Take Part in the 2021 Colleague Survey!

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on people working in local shops to provide their views on employment in the convenience sector as part of the 2021 Colleague Survey.

The survey asks colleagues to provide feedback on their experiences of working in the sector, looking at training and progression, working environments and wellbeing, employment contracts and life outside work, pay and the benefits of working in the convenience sector.  

Now in its sixth year, the ACS Colleague Survey:

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