News
2024 National Living Wage Rate to Reach £11.44 Per Hour
Announced today by the Treasury (21 November), the new headline NLW rate will apply to everyone aged 21 and over (was previously 23 or over) and confirms that the Government will meet its target of increasing the National Living Wage to two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.
Read MoreAutumn Statement: ACS Urges Chancellor to Support Retailers with Investment Incentives
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its calls on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to give convenience store retailers the incentives necessary to invest in the safety, security and long term future of their businesses.
In its submission to the Autumn Statement, taking place on 22nd November, ACS has called on the Chancellor to support retailers with stability on business rates, pragmatism on future wage increases, and a commitment to tackling crime in communities across the UK.
Key measures recommended by ACS in the submission include:
Read MoreRetail, Leisure and Hospitality Sectors Urge Chancellor to Extend Business Rates Support
A coalition of hospitality, retail and leisure organisations, including ACS, have written to the Chancellor urging him to freeze the business rates multiplier and extend existing reliefs for a further year at the upcoming Autumn Statement.
In a joint letter, ACS, UKHospitality, British Retail Consortium, British Independent Retail Association and ukactive are warning that businesses, jobs and the future of high streets are at risk without support.
Read MoreLast Chance to Book Your Place at ACS' Innovation Showcase!
Taking place on 21st November at the National Football Museum in Manchester, our Innovation Showcase is a must-attend event for retailers and suppliers to discover the latest products and services which are set to transform convenience retailing.
Read MoreACS Supports Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week 2023
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is supporting Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week, which aims to raise awareness about the increase in violence and abuse against retail workers and promote the message of respect for shopworkers.
Read MoreACS Announces Shortlist for 2023 Innovation Showcase!
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced the shortlist for the 2023 Innovation Showcase, taking place in Manchester on 21st November.
Read MoreACS Calls for Clarity on Tackling Retail Crime in Kings Speech
ACS Sets Out Latest Developments on Responsible Retailing
ACS has highlighted the upcoming challenges facing retailers on key areas like vaping, HFSS products, digital proof of age, and recycling at its Responsible Retailing Forum.
At today’s online forum, retailers and suppliers discussed the latest developments on HFSS in Wales and Scotland, upcoming environmental regulations including the disposable cup takeback scheme, developments in digital proof of age schemes to help prevent underage sales, and how vaping enforcement is being carried out to reduce the impact of illicit and illegal vapes on our streets.
Read MoreWales Single Use Plastic Ban Introduced
An ban on single use plastic has been implemented in Wales today (30 October). Retailers in Wales will not be able to sell or supply to customers the following single use plastic items:
1. Plates – this includes paper plates with a laminated plastic surface
2. Cutlery – for example forks, spoons, knives
3. Drinks stirrers – those designed for stirring drinks or liquid food
4. Cups made of expanded or foamed extruded polystyrene
Local Shops Welcome New Retail Crime Action Plan to Tackle Prolific Offenders
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the publication of the new Retail Crime Action Plan, which sets out the way that police should respond to and investigate thefts against convenience stores and other retail businesses.
The Retail Crime Action Plan, published by the National Police Chiefs Council today (23rd October), sets out a series of guidelines for the police on the following areas:
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