News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has appointed two new directors as new representatives from the Co-op and from BP.

Hanna Hofer, Vice President of BP’s UK operations and dealer business is taking over as their representative from Dave Newton, who is leaving for a Europe-wide role with BP. Hanna has most recently worked with BP in Shanghai and before that in various roles in the UK and Europe.

Taking place virtually on 23rd 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.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on people working in local shops to provide their views on employment in the convenience sector as part of the 2021 Colleague Survey.

The survey asks colleagues to provide feedback on their experiences of working in the sector, looking at training and progression, working environments and wellbeing, employment contracts and life outside work, pay and the benefits of working in the convenience sector.  

Now in its sixth year, the ACS Colleague Survey:

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 technology trends, products and services set to transform the sector.

The following companies were selected by ACS’ Independent Board and have been shortlisted to demonstrate their product or service at the event:

Taking place virtually on 23rd 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.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Government on plans to simplify the ‘Kickstart Scheme’, making it easier for retailers to create new job placements for their local communities.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced plans to amend its Kickstart Scheme to allow employers to apply directly from 3^rd February, regardless of the number of jobs to be funded.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is advising retailers to follow the Department for Transport’s Snow Code when moving snow and ice outside their stores. Under Health and Safety law, businesses are required (so far as is reasonably practicable) to keep routes into the store free from anything that may cause a person to slip, trip or fall.

Content supplied by G4S:

Businesses in the UK will now be able to streamline their cash flow, and efficiently manage their payments through G4S, as G4S Cash Solutions launches G4S Pay and becomes the first major UK cash company to be able to arrange cash, card and digital payment solutions.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to host a number of virtual awareness sessions to create more Dementia Friends in the convenience sector.

The sessions are free for ACS members to attend and will be taking place on the following dates:

• Wednesday 27th January: 12pm – 1pm
• Friday 29th January: 4pm to 5pm

At the start of 2020, ACS launched a campaign to create 25,000 Dementia Friends in the convenience sector to help customers, colleagues and communities affected by dementia.

More speakers have been announced for this year’s Technology Showcase, taking place virtually on 10th February 2021.

The Showcase will feature presentations from: