Heart of the Community is our biggest political conference and reception of the year, giving retailers an opportunity to engage directly with MPs on the issues that matter to local shops.
Join us in Portcullis House in Westminster, London, where we'll hear from MPs, retailers and leading pollsters about the challenges facing the convenience sector and how Andy Burnham's Government will address the cost of trading for local shops.
Heart of the Community will be the first opportunity to see the 2026 Local Shop Report, where we'll launch the report with a panel of retail leaders discussing what the findings mean for their businesses and the wider convenience sector.
We're also delighted to welcome Luke Tryl from leading polling company More in Common to provide exclusive insight into what makes communities happier and how the Government's plans could shape up in the Budget.
The conference will be followed by an exclusive reception on the House of Commons Terrace, where we'll come together to send a message to the Chancellor that action needs to be taken to address the cost of trading. The reception will provide a great opportunity for retailers to speak directly to MPs about the issues facing their business.
Speakers for this year's Heart of the Community Conference and reception include:
- Michael Wheeler, MP for Worsley and Eccles
- Luke Tryl, Executive Director, More in Common
- Carol Welch, CEO, AF Blakemore
- Suki Athwal, Shop Around the Clock (one of the UK's leading young independent retailers)
- Matt Vickers MP, Shadow Crime and Policing Minister
- Ed Woodall, ACS chief executive
- Chris Noice, ACS external affairs director
- Rosie Wiggins, ACS research manager
Attendance at Heart of the Community is free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place here.
