August 2022

Entries are open for this year’s Raj Aggarwal Trophy, a trophy awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.

The trophy was first launched in 2021 to mark the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal.

Applications are welcome from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets and you can also nominate a retailer who you think is deserving of the award.

To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum 5 minutes), which will show:

Save the date for the launch of ACS’ 2022 Forecourt Report and Store Tour taking place on 13^th October in Hampshire.

This year’s event will see the launch of the 2022 Forecourt Report, showcasing the latest findings and developments in the sector followed by a tour of a diverse and innovative range of forecourts in the Hampshire area.

Book your place at ACS’ Heart of the Community 2022, ACS’ unmissable annual conference taking place at One Great George Street Westminster on 18th October.

This year’s conference will focus on two high priority areas: levelling up and sustainability and this will be explored through industry experts and prominent figures from across retail.

The keynote speaker for this year’s conference has been confirmed as Katy Balls, deputy political editor of the Spectator, who will be providing analysis of the current political landscape and how this affects convenience retailers.

ACS is reminding members about the new content that has been added to the Member Portal, including recordings of recent events, webinars and policy information.

The Member Portal is home to wealth of content which has been developed and curated to provide members with the latest information and relevant resources for you to view and download on demand. By logging into the Member Portal, you can also secure your place at upcoming ACS including the launch of the 2022 Local Shop Report, Innovation Showcase and Heart of the Community.

Key resources on the portal include:

The Welsh Government has published a draft Bill which seeks to ban or restrict the sale of some of the most commonly littered single-use plastics in Wales, including a ban on plastic bags which are currently subject to a 5p charge.