News

Mars Chocolate UK has taken the precautionary step of recalling products produced in the Netherlands that possibly contain pieces of plastic. Other products are being recalled in Europe which have not been distributed via the Mars UK distribution route. 

The UK recall from consumers concerns only the products below, with the stated ‘best before’ dates, which were manufactured in the Netherlands and distributed in the UK.

ACS has branded a report published today by Grant Shapps MP as partial, unconvincing and based on old data that has already been discredited during the government’s consultation on this issue. The report (http://www.shapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Sunday-Trading-for-the…) argues for extending Sunday trading hours.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to take advantage of a new platform to allow them to train their staff on Assured Advice.

The platform, which has been developed by online learning company Bolt, will allow any ACS member to sign up to the Assured Advice scheme and benefit from both the assurance of the guides and industry leading training modules for staff members.

Plans to reform Sunday trading will not address the problems of high streets and make the Government the enemy of entrepreneurial businesses.

The Government has finally set out its stall on Sunday trading, releasing its response to the consultation after months of waiting, alongside amendments to the Enterprise Bill designed to give powers to local authorities to set Sunday trading hours as they see fit.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on Government to outline its plan for meaningful business rates reform and reinstate the Retail Rate Relief scheme as business rates income reaches record levels.

The Department for Communities and Local Government released figures this morning claiming that business rates income has reached £23.5bn, raising an extra £400m compared to a year ago.

Tickets are now on sale for the premier event in the convenience sector, ACS Summit16.

This year’s conference, to be held in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on April 19th 2016 will set out to inspire retailers and suppliers to think differently about the way they do business and provide practical ideas that will make the difference between running a good store and a great one.

ACS has announced a packed line-up of MPs, industry experts and senior retailers to speak at this year’s ACS Crime Seminar, taking place on 17 March at Methodist Central Hall, London.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Retail crime is one of the biggest operational challenges convenience retailers face. The Crime Seminar provide retailers with the opportunity to hear from industry experts, crime policy champions and share best practice with other retailers to discover new ways to reduce crime in their store”.

Confirmed speakers at the Crime Seminar include:

If you sell alcohol to another business you may need to apply to register for the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS). This scheme was introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle alcohol fraud.

If you only sell alcohol to the general public and not to other businesses you won’t need to apply.

Plans to devolve Sunday trading regulations to local authorities have been condemned by the Association of Convenience Stores as damaging to high streets.

Government have confirmed that they intend to press ahead with devolution of Sunday trading, despite widespread opposition from MPs on both sides of the House.

During the second reading debate of the Enterprise Bill this afternoon (Tuesday), Business Minister Sajid Javid announced that plans to deregulate Sunday Trading hours will be added to the Bill during Committee Stage.