ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed renewed calls from the influential Business and Trade Committee, urging the government to look again at ways to support small businesses.
The select committee had been tasked with conducting an inquiry into the government’s Small Business Strategy, which ACS provided evidence to. The committee’s report, published in February 2026, made over 60 recommendations to the Government, including:
ACS has welcomed proposals from Andy Burnham on changes to the business rates system to support independent retailers.
In interviews since becoming MP for Makerfield, Mr Burnham has suggested that if he were to become the next prime minister, he would increase the threshold at which small business rate relief applies from £12,000 currently to £18,000 rateable value, with an increase in the tapered thresholds up to £21,000 (currently £15,000).
ACS has welcomed proposals from Andy Burnham on changes to the business rates system to support independent retailers.
In interviews since becoming MP for Makerfield, Mr Burnham has suggested that if he were to become the next prime minister, he would increase the threshold at which small business rate relief applies from £12,000 currently to £18,000 rateable value, with an increase in the tapered thresholds up to £21,000 (currently £15,000).
There are a number of employment and tax
There are a number of employment and tax
There are a number of employment and tax
A number of employment and taxation updates are coming into effect from April 2026. To help retailers prepare, we’ve set out the key changes below, along with links to further guidance.
Employment changes
A number of employment and taxation updates are coming into effect from April 2026. To help retailers prepare, we’ve set out the key changes below, along with links to further guidance.
Employment changes
A number of employment and taxation updates are coming into effect from April 2026. To help retailers prepare, we’ve set out the key changes below, along with links to further guidance.
Employment changes
The Association of Convenience Stores has called on the Government to urgently set out a plan to incentivise growth and investment in the convenience sector, after no action was taken in the Spring Statement to reduce the impact of impending rates hikes.
