December 2022

ACS Encourages Retailers to Enter the Disability Smart Awards 2023

ACS is encouraging retailers to enter the Business Disability Forum’s Disability Smart Awards 2023.

The Disability Smart Awards give retailers the opportunity to recognise the achievements of their team and store in meeting the needs of disabled customers and colleagues, from providing great customer service to ensuring that their store is accessible for everyone.

There are 10 Disability Smart award categories this year, these are:

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Get Involved in Initiatives to Promote Colleague and Customer Safety

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to think about the practical steps that they can take to help their colleagues and communities feel safer.

Women’s Night Safety Charter

ACS is encouraging convenience retailers to sign up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter. The Charter started as a London initiative, but has since been rolled out in more cities, aiming to help women feel comfortable and confident when walking around at night.

Here are four easy steps that retailers can consider:

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Book Your Place at ACS’ Rural Shop Report Parliamentary Launch 2023!

Book your place at the launch of the 2023 Rural Shop Report, taking place on 24th January in the House of Commons.

The parliamentary reception will provide a comprehensive overview of the findings of the report, looking at rural shops’ economic and social contributions to the rural economy, as well as their investments, services, and the flexible, local employment opportunities they offer.

During the event, we will hear directly from rural retailers about the opportunities and the challenges that they face and the impact of upcoming regulations.

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Local Shops Need Urgent Clarity on Future of Energy Bill Support

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has again called on the Government to clarify which businesses will receive support after March 2023, urging retailers to write to their MP highlighting the serious impact of rising energy costs on their businesses.

The Government has confirmed that the long-awaited announcement on the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) will be delayed until the New Year.

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Government Announces Deadline for Help to Grow Digital Scheme Applications

The Government has announced the deadline for applications for the Help to Grow Digital Scheme as 2nd February 2023.

The Help to Grow Digital Scheme was developed to provide businesses with free and impartial advice on how they can use technology to boost their business.

Eligible businesses can get 50% off, up to £5,000 (excluding VAT) on approved Digital Accounting and Customer Relationship Management software.

Discounts for eligible software must been redeemed within 30 days from the issue date.

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Book Your Place at ACS’ Forecourt, Power and Convenience Conference!

Taking place on 19th January 2023 in Leicester, ACS’ Forecourt, Power and Convenience conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to hear from leading forecourt retailers and a range of experts from across the industry on the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector.

The conference will look into the latest developments in the sector and explore what this means for forecourt retailing. The event will also feature a virtual tour of an EV site followed by a panel discussion.

Speakers and panellists include:

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ACS Launches Biggest Ever Conference Agenda for 2023

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched the agenda for its biggest ever annual event, Conference23, on April 25th next year.

Taking place at the Vox in Birmingham alongside the National Convenience Show, ACS Conference23 is a must-attend event for anyone in the convenience sector looking to grow their business, build valuable relationships, and get exclusive insights on how to prepare for the future.

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Get Involved in Initiatives to Promote Colleague and Customer Safety

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to think about the practical steps that they can take to help their colleagues and communities feel safer.

Women’s Night Safety Charter

ACS is encouraging convenience retailers to sign up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter. The Charter started as a London initiative, but has since been rolled out in more cities, aiming to help women feel comfortable and confident when walking around at night.

Here are four easy steps that retailers can consider:

Read More

Retailers Need Energy Bill Support Throughout 2023

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has again called on the Government to support convenience stores with their energy bills after March 2023, urging retailers to write to their MP highlighting the serious impact of rising energy costs on their businesses.

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Welsh Cross Party Group Explores Impact of HFSS Restrictions on Local Shops

The Cross Party Group on Small Shops held a meeting to explore the impact of high fat, salt and sugar restrictions (HFSS) on local shops across Wales.

The meeting was chaired by Vikki Howells MS and attended by a number of members of the Senedd and representatives from independent retail trade associations.

During the meeting, ACS government relations director Edward Woodall explored the impact of the regulations on convenience stores, the difference between the restrictions in England and Wales and the support that local shops need from the Welsh Government.

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