ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a call for evidence into financing and capitalising SMEs, which is looking into how diversifying funding models could improve access to finance.
In its submission to the APPG on Fair Business Banking, ACS outlines the difficulties convenience retailers have faced when trying to secure finance to invest in their businesses, particularly during the pandemic.
On 15th July, ACS chief executive James Lowman gave oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) highlighting the impact of the tightening labour market and rising wage rates have on convenience retailers.
During the evidence session, ACS urged caution on further NLW increases with the labour market in a state of flux due to the furlough scheme, EU exit, Covid testing and isolation and other factors. The LPC’s policy is for NLW to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 - currently projected to be £10.33.
ACS has set out practical steps for retailers to avoid major disruption to their businesses as a result of notifications to isolate from the Covid-19 app.
In the last week alone, over half a million people have been notified to isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app, with many businesses left stuck with significant staff shortages. The Government has confirmed that notifications received through the NHS Covid-19 app to isolate are advisory and not a legal requirement, being part of a separate system to NHS Test & Trace, which does have legal backing.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has committed to continuing to promote the progress of local shops in offering healthy options to customers and communities across the UK. It follows the publication of the National Food Strategy, led by Henry Dimbleby, which calls for reform of the food system to help the environment, the health of UK consumers, and the NHS.
Recommendations made in the strategy include:
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the latest update on the Government’s plan to be net zero by 2050, which looks to address the barriers to the electric vehicle charging rollout.
ACS has updated its guidance on Home Delivery to help retailers consider the best fit for their store when it comes to offering the service.
At the start of the pandemic, offering a home delivery option for customers that were isolating, shielding or otherwise unable to get to the store became an essential service for thousands of retailers. During the first lockdown, ACS estimated that over 600,000 deliveries a week were going out from convenience stores to their communities.
ACS has responded to a consultation from energy regulator Ofgem, reiterating its calls for reform in the small business energy market.
The consultation looks specifically at the introduction of a 14 day cooling off period for microbusinesses to bring their protections in line with that of consumers, as well as an alternative dispute resolution process when there are issues between a business and their supplier or broker.
The Prime Minister has announced plans for the full re-opening of the economy and the end of legal restrictions on how people can behave, from 19 July. I leave the debate on whether this is strategically the right decision to the epidemiologists and behavioural scientists, but of course I’d like to see a return to normal as soon as we can. The problem is that the way the government is taking this next step is already looking flawed, and we need to see some changes in their approach right now if we’re going to move forward safely.
ACS has written to Business Minister Paul Scully MP, urging the Government to bring forward the change in self-isolation rules.
Under current Government proposals, from 16th August, anyone who has had their second vaccine dose more than two weeks prior, or who is aged under 18, would not have to self-isolate due to being identified by NHS Test and Trace as a result of close contact. ACS is calling for this rule change to be brought forward to now to avoid significant operational challenges for retailers, staff shortages and unnecessary short term business closures.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to submit their entries for a new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal. The trophy will be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.
Applications are welcome from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets.
To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum of 5 minutes), which will show:
