Press Releases
ACS: Time for Ofgem to Implement Long Overdue Energy Reforms for Microbusinesses
ACS has welcomed the publication of a new consultation from energy regulator Ofgem on changes to the way that energy suppliers engage with microbusiness customers.
Measures proposed in Ofgem’s latest consultation would amend the Standard Licence Conditions (SLCs) of energy suppliers to include:
Read MoreACS: C-Store Collective Joins as New Connect Member
ACS is delighted to announce that the C-Store Collective, a panel of industry-leading consultants, associates and experts, has joined ACS as a new Connect member.
With over 100 years of combined experience, C-Store Collective, co-founded by industry experts John Heagney, Jonathan Rons and Mike Igoe, offers a range of services for its retail partners, including:
Read MoreACS: All-In DRS the Right Approach, But Challenges Remain for Small Stores
ACS has reiterated its calls for the Government to take into account the challenges facing small stores ahead of the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS).
Speaking at a meeting of the Tidy Britain All Party Parliamentary Group, ACS Government Relations Director Ed Woodall outlined how a well-designed deposit return scheme could work for the convenience sector.
Read MoreEnvironment Committee Highlights Small Store Concerns on Details of DRS Scheme
ACS has welcomed a new report from the Environmental Audit Committee on the introduction of a deposit return scheme, recognising a number of challenges faced by small retailers.
The report follows written and oral evidence sessions from stakeholders including ACS, setting out the Committee’s recommendations for a scheme that is workable and sustainable for all retailers and that has a meaningful impact on recycling rates. These include:
Read MoreACS Calls on MPs to Introduce Tougher Measures to Tackle Theft and Abuse Against Retailers
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling for amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill to help the police and criminal justice system tackle repeat offending.
In evidence submitted to the Public Bill Committee on the PCSC Bill, ACS has called for the inclusion of the following measures:
Read MoreACS: Government Support Must Continue Beyond the Pandemic
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to an inquiry into jobs, growth and productivity after the pandemic, calling for the Government to ensure that support for local shops is extended beyond the pandemic to enable recovery and growth in the convenience sector.
The inquiry was launched by the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee to examine how the Government can reduce and mitigate damage to the labour market and how to improve productivity to support economic growth after the pandemic.
Read MoreACS Encourages Local Shops To Promote Cash Acceptance
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging local shops to promote their acceptance of cash through the ‘Cash Friendly Pledge’.
Launched today (13th May) by Which?, the ‘Cash-Friendly Pledge’ is a public commitment from retailers which sends the clear message to customers that they can continue to use cash as a payment method in their store.
Read MoreQueen’s Speech: Bills on Crime and the Environment Offer Opportunities for Local Shops
Today (11th May) the Queen outlined the Government’s priorities for the new parliamentary session at the State Opening of Parliament. The Queen’s Speech formally sets out Government legislation and parliamentary priorities, with this year focused on national recovery from the pandemic.
Read MorePlastic Bag Charge to Increase to 10p and Extend to All Businesses on 21 May
ACS has welcomed the long-awaited extension of plastic bag charging to all businesses from 21 May, which will provide consistency for consumers and further opportunity for retailers to raise money for good causes.
From 21st May in England, the minimum charge for plastic bags will increase from 5p to 10p per bag, and will be applicable to all businesses regardless of size. The plastic bag charge is already applicable to all businesses in Scotland and Wales.
Read MoreACS Launches Raj Aggarwal Trophy to Celebrate Outstanding Community Retailers
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is pleased to announce that the Raj Aggarwal Trophy will be launched on Thursday 6th May.
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:
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