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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero that energy regulator Ofgem will be appointed to regulate the energy broker market.

Energy brokers, also known as third party intermediaries (TPIs), typically act as comparison services for businesses with the intention of getting them the best deal available on the market. However, due to the unregulated nature of the market, not all brokers act with their customers’ best interests in mind.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Government’s consultation on “A Streamlined Approach to Payment Systems Regulation”, welcoming the ambition to simplify the regulatory framework while urging targeted protections to ensure small retailers are not disadvantaged.

The Government is proposing to consolidate the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) within the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). ACS supports this move, recognising that reducing duplication and creating a clearer, more coherent framework will benefit both consumers and businesses.

The ACS/PRA Forecourt, Power and Convenience Conference is coming to the British Motor Museum on November 19th. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved with the UK forecourt sector, whether a retailer with one or more petrol forecourts, or a supplier to the sector.

At this year's Conference, we'll be looking at upcoming trends, the impact of new legislation, future store formats and the importance of food-to-go on a modern forecourt site, with a packed line-up of expert speakers.

Confirmed speakers include:

We’re one month away from our Innovation & NPD Showcase and Hosted One2Ones, taking place on 21^st October at National Football Museum in Manchester.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced that its Chief Executive James Lowman will leave the organisation in early 2026.

James Lowman joined ACS in March 1997 and was appointed Chief Executive in November 2006.