ACS News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced the departure of Sarah C Johnson from the organisation on 10 April.

Sarah C Johnson has been a widely respected and much-loved member of the ACS team, especially with the independent retailer community as well as convenience multiples and the supplier community. Sarah led the creation of the Women’s Independent Retailer Network, sat on and led discussions with the ACS Independents Board, ran ACS events for most of her nineteen years with the trade body, and was an integral part of ACS’ activity.

The Welsh Government have announced that they will attempt to get their deposit return scheme ready for launch in time for October 2027 when the rest of the UK goes live. 

ACS has criticised the inclusion of glass containers on the Welsh scheme on a “reuse” basis where bottles are returned to be refilled rather than recycled.

The rest of the UK is set to introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers in October 2027, and has appointed UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UKDMO) to make the scheme work. 

ACS has welcomed the publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy, released this morning (23rd June) by the Department for Business and Trade.

The Modern Industrial Strategy forms a 10 year plan aimed at making it easier for businesses to invest in the UK, with a particular focus on eight high-growth sectors, which are: advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy industries, digital and technology, creative industries, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services.

ACS has welcomed the publication of a new report from the Commons Treasury Committee, recognising the importance of cash to convenience stores and their customers and calling for clarity on the costs of different payment methods.

Over the past few months, ACS has been encouraging retailers to meet with members of parliament by inviting them to visit local shops, highlighting the important work they do for their communities and sharing what support they need from the government.

The latest store visit took place yesterday (27th February), where Ian Sollom MP visited Nisa in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, to discuss store owner Amit Puntambekar’s experience with retail crime and his invaluable community work.