Press Releases
More Speakers Announced for ACS’ 2021 Technology Showcase!
More speakers have been announced for this year’s Technology Showcase, taking place virtually on 10th February 2021.
The Showcase will feature presentations from:
Read MoreACS Welcomes New Protections for Shopworkers in Scotland
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass a Bill to create a new statutory offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing a retail worker, particularly those applying or enforcing an age-restriction in relation to the sale or supply of goods or services.
Read MoreACS: Retail Sector Needs Support and Advance Warning of New Covid Measures
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has urged Welsh ministers to work in closer collaboration with retailers when they introduce new measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19. New requirements have been introduced today with no advance notice of changes that businesses need to make immediately.
From today, all retail stores in Wales are required to do the following:
Read MoreACS Supports Progress of Bill to Delay Business Rates Revaluation to 2023
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the progress of a Bill in Parliament to postpone the next re-evaluation of business rates until 2023.
The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, would postpone the date on which the next revaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect until 1st April 2023. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its revaluation until the same date.
Read MoreACS Supports ‘Please Give Me Space’ Social Distancing Campaign
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging local shops to get involved with a new campaign designed to support those who find it difficult to socially distance.
Read MoreACS: Government Must Go Further to Clamp Down on Violence and Abuse Against Shopworkers
ACS has responded to a Home Affairs Select Committee consultation on violence and abuse against shopworkers, calling on the Home Office to send a clearer message that offences will not be tolerated.
In its’ submission, ACS states that the Home Office’s response to its Call for Evidence does not go far enough to protect retailers and their colleagues from abuse. Key recommendations in the submission include:
Read MoreBudget 2021: Local Shops Call for Extended Business Rates Support to Avoid Spike in Operating Costs
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has submitted evidence to the Treasury ahead of the 2021 Budget, calling on the Chancellor to extend the business rates discount in 2021/22 to avoid a ‘sudden shock’ of high rates bills while stores are still dealing with the impact of the pandemic.
In its submission, ACS recommends a minimum 50% reduction in business rates for 2021/22 to taper the reintroduction of rates and avoid a cliff edge spike in operating costs at a time when local shops are still investing in and adapting their businesses to keep customers and colleagues safe.
Read MoreACS: Local Shops Welcome Plastic Bag Charge Increase in Scotland
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that the minimum price of a single use carrier bag (SUCB) is set to increase from 5p to 10p in an effort to help tackle plastic waste.
Environment and Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed today (13th January) that the increase is scheduled to be implemented from 1st April 2021. The announcement follows a public consultation launched at the end of 2019 by the Scottish Government on ways to develop Scotland’s circular economy.
Read MoreACS Encourages Retailers and Colleagues to Start the New Year by Becoming a Dementia Friend
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to host a number of virtual awareness sessions to create more Dementia Friends in the convenience sector.
The sessions are free for ACS members to attend and will be taking place on the following dates:
Read MoreBook Your Place at ACS’ 2021 Rural Shop Report Launch!
Taking place virtually on 23rd February, ACS’ Rural Shop Report launch event will provide an insight into the essential role that rural shops play in their local communities and to the wider economy.
The morning launch event will reveal the findings of this year’s report, providing a comprehensive overview of rural shops in the convenience sector, the services that they offer and the people running the stores.
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