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01.07.2015

Minister Outlines Support for Welsh Local Shops at Cross Party Group Reception

Economy, Science and Transport Minister Edwina Hart AM has addressed the Welsh Cross Party Small Shops’ annual reception, commending the economic and social contribution of local shops in Wales.

Speaking at the reception, which was attended by retailers from across Wales along with representatives from the Association of Convenience Stores and the Independent Retail Confederation, the Minister outlined that she wanted to work with the group more closely and understand the challenges faced by small shops.

29.06.2015

Convenience Sector Invests £177m over Last Three Months

New figures released today by the Association of Convenience Stores have shown that convenience retailers have invested £177m in their businesses in the period between February and May 2015.

Overall, more than one in four stores (28%) surveyed said that they were planning to invest in their store, an increase on both 2014 (24%) and 2013 (21%).

Regionally, more stores are planning to make investments in the South West of England than anywhere else in the UK (35% making some investment), while the lowest levels were found in the North West with 22% making investments.

26.06.2015

Parliamentary Group Launches Everyday Entrepreneurs Inquiry

Simon Danczuk MP, Chairman of the All Party Small Shops Group, has launched a new inquiry looking at the importance of Britain’s Everyday Entrepreneurs and what they need to thrive.

The Inquiry is calling for evidence on three areas:

25.06.2015

ACS Calls for Extended Primary Authority Scheme in Scotland

ACS has called for the development of Primary Authority partnerships in Scotland and for the inclusion of trade associations so small businesses can be fit too in response to a Scottish Government consultation on the scope of the schemes.

In its response to the consultation, ACS has highlighted the success of existing Primary Authority partnerships administered by trade associations in England and Wales, including ACS’ own Primary Authority Assured Advice scheme, and called for the same provisions to be made in Scotland.

24.06.2015

ACS and SGF Call for Simpler Alcohol Licensing Rules in Scotland

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Association of Convenience have today (24^th June) submitted a joint response to the Scottish Parliament Health Committee’s call for evidence on the new Alcohol (Licensing, Public Health and Criminal Justice) (Scotland) Bill.

The response opposes the provisions contained in the Bill to impose further restrictions on the advertising and promotion of alcohol and to encourage Licensing Boards to make greater use of bottle marking schemes.

17.06.2015

ACS Elects Two New Members to Board

The Association of Convenience Stores is delighted to announce that Manchester retailer Paul Stone and Andy Cresswell (Deputy Chief Executive – Trading, Midcounties Co-operative) have been elected to the Board of Directors as of this morning (17^th June 2015).

17.06.2015

Scottish Grocers' Federation and Association of Convenience Stores Oppose Bottle Return Scheme

The trade associations have today (17^th June) submitted a joint response to the call for evidence from Scottish environment agency Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) on the feasibility of implementing a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland.

15.06.2015

Retailers Report Successful Compliance with Tobacco Display Ban Regulations

New research published by ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has revealed that over 90% of convenience retailers do not have concerns about their tobacco display ban compliance.

12.06.2015

Local Shops Set Out Business Rates Reform Plans

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has set out its recommendations to Government on business rate reform to make the system fairer and help small businesses.

In its submission, ACS highlights the inherent issues in the rates system that penalise retailers trying to expand and invest in their business.

28.05.2015

New Report Claims 56 Billion Illegal Cigarettes Sold Across EU

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a report highlighting the extent of illegal tobacco consumption across Europe, calling for immediate action to tackle the illicit trade in the UK.

The report, released today by KPMG, claims that over 56 billion illegal cigarettes were consumed in 2014 across the EU, representing 10% of total consumption. Over the last year, more than 8 in 10 illegal cigarettes consumed originated from outside the EU.

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