Convenience retailers and MPs from around the UK have come together at the annual Association of Convenience Stores Heart of the Community Reception to celebrate the role of apprentices in the convenience sector.
Speaking at the reception, Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst MP recognised the importance of convenience stores to local communities, especially in rural and isolated areas where the interaction between colleagues in stores and their customers plays an important role in reducing loneliness.
During the reception, the Minister recognised the contribution of four apprentices working in different parts of the convenience sector.
The apprentices at the event were:
- James Eales, Midcounties Co-operative, Retail Apprentice
- Charlie Rush, Heron Foods, Payroll Apprentice
- Will Shaw, Heron Foods, Marketing Apprentice
- James Knott, Southern Co-op, Operations Apprentice
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate four apprentices that demonstrate the viability of convenience stores as an entry point to a diverse range of careers.”
Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst MP said: “It was inspiring to meet some of the bright, budding apprentices representing the future of local shops in our communities. The Government is committed to supporting this sector to grow, which is why we are investing £3.6 billion through our Towns Fund - including £1 billion to help modernise high streets. We’ve also introduced significant reforms and reductions to business rates worth over £13 billion over the next five years.”
ACS works with its members to share good practice about offering apprenticeships in the convenience sector, and engages with government to help give businesses easier access to the system of apprenticeships. More information about offering apprenticeships, including contact details for Centrepoint, one of Britain’s biggest charities supporting young people, is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/apprenticeships
