January 2023

ACS Calls on Retailers to Take Part in the 2023 Colleague Survey

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on people working in local shops to take part in its annual Colleague Survey.

The survey asks colleagues about their experience of working in the convenience sector, looking at a number of key areas including: job satisfaction, the most valuable benefits, work/life balance, and more.

ACS’ Colleague Survey is designed to:

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Rural Shop Report 2023: ACS Urges MPs to Support Rural Shops Pledge

The 2023 Rural Shop Report has highlighted the crucial contribution that the UK’s 17,720 rural shops make to their communities and the need for targeted support from Government to ensure their long term future.

Launched today (January 24th), the 2023 Rural Shop Report demonstrates the close links that rural retailers have with their communities, their importance as local employers, and the impact that store closures would have on the provision of groceries in rural and otherwise isolated areas.

Key findings from the 2023 Rural Shop Report include:

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Thousands of Businesses at Risk without Intervention on Energy Contracts

Business groups including the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the British Independent Retail Association (BIRA), have written to the Business Secretary, calling on him to rethink plans to slash the support provided to shops, pubs and other local businesses amid fears of widespread closures in the summer.

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ACS Welcomes Strategic Mapping of Return Points in DRS Scheme for England, Wales and NI

ACS has welcomed the Government’s plans to guarantee the strategic placement of return points in its proposed deposit return scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

The new scheme, which is intended to come into force in October 2025, aims to significantly reduce the number of bottles, cans and other materials in scope being thrown away, with a target of 85% litter reduction in the three years after the scheme is introduced.

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Government Must Provide Trading Standards with More Resources to Tackle Illegal Vape Market

ACS (the Association of the Convenience Stores) is calling on the Government to take urgent action to provide Trading Standards with adequate resources to tackle the trade of illegal vaping products in the UK.

A new survey out today (19th January) has highlighted concerns from Trading Standards about the sale of illegal vapes and the sale of any vaping products to under-18s in the UK.

Research conducted in 2022 by ACS of enforcement officers in Trading Standards across the UK has shown that 61% don’t believe they have the resources to tackle the illicit tobacco market.

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Book Your Place at ACS Conference23!

Book your place at ACS’ biggest ever annual event, Conference23, taking place on 25th April 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.

This year’s conference will feature two sessions with practical ideas for everyone to take back to their businesses, whether you’re a single site retailer or international supplier.

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Vikki Howells MS Elected as Chair of Cross Party Group on Small Shops 

The Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Small Shops held its annual general meeting today (17th January) to elect the Chair, review the group’s activity and agree a plan for the coming year. 

Vikki Howells MS has been elected as Chair of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops Group and Russell George MS has been elected as Vice Chair. 

The core purpose of the group is to ensure that the voice of small shops is heard within the Welsh Parliament. 

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Single Use Plastics Ban to Come into Force in October

The Government has confirmed the introduction of an upcoming ban on a range of single use plastics, which will come into force from October 2023.

The ban will include single use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. From October, the public will not be able to buy the banned items from shops, takeaways and other food vendors.

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