July 2023

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, calling for better regulation of the energy market and greater protections for small businesses.

In the submission, ACS has highlighted the need for tougher regulation of energy suppliers which will then in turn provide businesses with clarity on their billing, payment options, data transparency, contract terms, and termination.

Local shops have urged Members of the Senedd in Wales to ensure that the operation of a planned deposit return scheme in Wales should be consistent with schemes in the rest of the UK.

Addressing a meeting of the Welsh Cross Party Group on Small Shops, ACS has today shared some of the challenges of introducing a scheme that will be workable and sustainable for consumers, retailers and suppliers, as well as detailed guidance originally drafted for Scotland on the detailed considerations and adaptations that retailers have to make when providing return points in store.

Entries are now open for this year’s Raj Aggarwal Trophy, a trophy awarded to convenience 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.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the recommendations of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on increasing levels of transparency for consumers in the UK fuel market.