Other

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has submitted evidence to the Treasury ahead of the 2021 Budget, calling on the Chancellor to extend the business rates discount in 2021/22 to avoid a ‘sudden shock’ of high rates bills while stores are still dealing with the impact of the pandemic.

In its submission, ACS recommends a minimum 50% reduction in business rates for 2021/22 to taper the reintroduction of rates and avoid a cliff edge spike in operating costs at a time when local shops are still investing in and adapting their businesses to keep customers and colleagues safe.

Content supplied by ShelfNow: 

Are you a retailer that is looking for an affordable, more diverse and seamless way to source products directly from producers without the use of an expensive middleman?

ShelfNow is an e-ecommerce platform run by a team dedicated to sourcing quality producers and matching them to independent retailers, using technology to get the best matches possible based on type of products, budget, location, storage type, lifestyle (vegan, kosher, zero waste) and more.

We’ve all got a little bit too used to looking at statistics over the past year. I hope you don’t doomscroll for the 5pm updates on Coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths every day, but even if you’re trying to avoid looking at this it’s hard to avoid the stark and shocking numbers providing the backdrop to this period of our lives. It’s a bit of a cliché to say we should look at the people behind the statistics – of course we should do that but it’s quite abstract and often quite depressing.

Taking place virtually on 23^rd February, ACS’ Rural Shop Report launch event will provide an insight into the essential role that rural shops play in their local communities and to the wider economy.

The morning launch event will reveal the findings of this year’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector, the services that they offer and the people running the stores.

Taking place virtually on 10th February 2021, ACS’ Technology Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest products and services set to transform the sector.

The Showcase will feature presentations from Jason Perry (Head of Online Development, Co-operative Group) and Emma Sutton (Social Media Executive, Costcutter Supermarkets Group) exploring the impact of technology on the convenience sector.