Book your free place at ACS’ annual political conference Heart of the Community, taking place on 17th October at One Birdcage Walk in Westminster and followed by a reception on the House of Commons Terrace.
This year’s conference will debate how we can deliver safer, connected and more inclusive local communities and will bring together leading retailers and senior politicians to understand how the political environment will impact convenience stores now and into the future.
The keynote speaker at the conference is Ayesha Hazarika MBE, an insightful columnist, broadcaster, and comedian who formerly served as a special adviser for the Labour Party during their time in government and opposition. She will be sharing her perspective on the evolving UK political landscape and discussing the key issues that may define the next general election.
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
• Rushanara Ali MP, Shadow Minister for Investment and Small Business
• Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner
• Duncan Stephenson, Policy and External Affairs Director, CTSI
• Steve O’Neill, Corporate Affairs and Marketing Director, PayPoint
• James Lowman, Chief Executive, ACS
• Ed Woodall, Government Relations Director, ACS
The conference will be followed by an exclusive parliamentary drinks reception and will also feature the presentation of the Raj Aggarwal Trophy for outstanding community retailing and include an address by Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake. The 2023 finalists are: Linda Williams (Broadway Premier), Sheela Keshwara (SPAR Priory Road) and Trudy Davies (Woosnam & Davies News).
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are delighted to be returning to Westminster to discuss some of the high priority issues affecting the convenience sector and to explore the knock-on effects that political developments have on local shops. Convenience retailers are committed to creating safe and positive spaces for their colleagues and customers and this conference will provide us with the opportunity to look at what retailers are doing to promote safety and inclusion and how we can build on this even further.
“Our Heart of the Community conference is the chance for you to be a part of these important conversations and to celebrate the fantastic work that local shops have been doing over the past year – don’t miss out!”
This year’s conference will also feature a partner hub where you can access advice, best practice and essential information about supporting your colleagues, helping your community and tackling crime and will include representatives from Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Business Disability Forum, Safer Business Network and the National Business Crime Centre.
For more information and to book your place visit https://www.acs.org.uk/events/heart-community
