ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a call for evidence into financing and capitalising SMEs, which is looking into how diversifying funding models could improve access to finance.
In its submission to the APPG on Fair Business Banking, ACS outlines the difficulties convenience retailers have faced when trying to secure finance to invest in their businesses, particularly during the pandemic.
On 15th July, ACS chief executive James Lowman gave oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) highlighting the impact of the tightening labour market and rising wage rates have on convenience retailers.
During the evidence session, ACS urged caution on further NLW increases with the labour market in a state of flux due to the furlough scheme, EU exit, Covid testing and isolation and other factors. The LPC’s policy is for NLW to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 - currently projected to be £10.33.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has committed to continuing to promote the progress of local shops in offering healthy options to customers and communities across the UK. It follows the publication of the National Food Strategy, led by Henry Dimbleby, which calls for reform of the food system to help the environment, the health of UK consumers, and the NHS.
Recommendations made in the strategy include:
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the latest update on the Government’s plan to be net zero by 2050, which looks to address the barriers to the electric vehicle charging rollout.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to submit their entries for a new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal. The trophy will be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.
Applications are welcome from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets.
To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum of 5 minutes), which will show:
From Sunday 18th July, HMRC will be requiring new checks on the codes that are given to businesses to ensure that they are registered properly for the UK track and trace system.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Consistency in Household and Business Recycling in England, highlighting the impact that new regulations would have on the convenience sector.
As part of the Environment Bill, businesses will be required to separate their waste for collection from 2023. This consultation is seeking views on the:
The Treasury has launched a consultation (1st July), seeking views on how legislation should secure long-term access to cash.
The consultation includes proposals to set a maximum distance that consumers and businesses should have to travel to deposit and access cash without a charge.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new report from the Work and Pensions Committee, urging the Government bring forward the Employment Bill to enhance the rights of workers in the low-paid and gig economy.
The report calls on the Government to develop a strategy for responding to long-term changes in the labour market, looking at wellbeing, skills, technology, and the availability of labour.
Findings from ACS’ 2020 Local Shop Report reveal that convenience stores provide local, flexible and secure jobs for around 412,000 people across the UK.
A new consultation has been launched by HM Treasury, proposing a framework for moving towards three-yearly revaluations of business rates from five-yearly and simplifying the appeals system.
The consultation proposes a number of new requirements on retailers, including:
