News
Finalists Announced for 2015 Best Small Shops Competition
Over 300 Applications from book shops, cycle traders, convenience stores, delis and jewellers have been whittled down to 20 finalists for the Best Small Shops Competition 2015.
Read MoreCouncil Leader Peter Dowd Visits Bootle NISA Local to talk Cash Machines and Business Rates
Councillor Peter Dowd, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bootle and Leader of Sefton Council, visited Adrian Costain's Nisa store in Bootle recently to hear his concerns about business rates, crime and parking policy.
Read MoreLabour Release New Policy Document Ahead of Election
The Labour Party have published a new policy document called ‘A Better Plan for Britain’s Prosperity’ setting out their plans for businesses ahead of the General Election. The report largely builds upon previous commitments made by Labour on what they will do to support the business community.
Read MoreNew Guide for Managing Fire Safety Published as part of ACS Assured Advice Scheme
ACS has published a comprehensive guide to Managing Fire Safety as the latest addition to the Assured Advice scheme. The new guide provides an overview of what is expect of convenience retailers to comply with fire safety laws.
The ACS Assured Advice Guide for Managing Fire Safety contains detailed assistance to safeguard retailers, their staff and customers against fire risks and hazards. The guide comprises information about performing risk assessments, escape routes, fire precautions, extinguishers, staff training and record keeping.
Read MoreChief Executive's Blog: Can Businesses Afford to Give Their Staff a Pay Rise?
David Cameron has today urged businesses to give their staff a pay rise. Clearly the Government’s economic analysis is that with inflation low, increasing wages would give further fuel to UK plc’s growth at little risk.
That macroeconomic analysis may be correct, but I have to start my response by looking at the microeconomic picture – the costs and income that dictate the way that businesses are run. There are two problems for our sector with a strategy based on a hike in wages, and specifically in the National Minimum Wage.
Read MoreParty Leaders Announce Commitments at British Chambers of Commerce Conference
David Cameron, leader of the Conservative party, urged businesses to give staff a pay rise in his speech. He also stated that the Conservatives planned to increase the amount of business rates that local areas could keep from 50% to at least two thirds. Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also spoke at the conference, discussing the Lib Dem’s plans to prioritise small businesses for tax cuts. Chuka Umunna, Shadow Business Secretary, discussed Labour’s plans to devolve extra funding from central to local Government.
Read MoreACS Launch Exciting App for Summit 15 Event
ACS have launched a helpful new app to coincide with their unmissable Summit 15 event on 21st April 2015. The bespoke app is packed will features to enhance your experience before, during and after the convenience stores industry’s key event of the year, held at the NEC in Birmingham.
Read MoreLabour Pledges to Double Paid Paternity Leave to Four Weeks
Ed Miliband announced plans to give new fathers a month of paid leave, nearly double the current rate. The plans would also bring paternity pay into line with the minimum wage, from £138.18 to at least £260 a week. The policy would be expected to cost £150 million a year, funded through proposed changes to childcare. Paid paternity leave was introduced in 2013 and parents may be entitled to shared paternity leave and pay in April 2015.
Read MoreACS Adds Food Safety Guide to Assured Advice Scheme
ACS has published a brand new guide for Managing Food Safety and Hygiene to add to the successful Assured Advice scheme. The new guide provides an overview of what is expected of convenience store retailers to comply with food safety and hygiene laws.
The ACS Assured Advice Guide for Managing Food Safety and Hygiene contains comprehensive advice to protect retailers against a range of risks apparent in a typical convenience store. Included in the guide are procedures for temperature checks, chilled storage, hot foods, cross contamination, record keeping, waste, cleaning and more.
Read MoreMinisters Tell Councils Town Centre Developments Must Come First
In a letter to local councils, Ministers have told planning officers to use powers in the National Planning Policy Framework to deliver retail investment in town centres. Clarification of planning policy has only previously been delivered by Ministers on controversial planning issues like Greenbelt developments.
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