Association of Convenience Stores

26/05/2026

Great to join Labour’s , Michelle Scrogham MP, on a visit to Yarlside Stores in Barrow, run by Vino and his brother-in-law Murug 🏪

It’s easy for conversations about the sector to focus on the challenges, but this visit was a powerful reminder of the positive impact local shops deliver every day. From supporting local fundraising initiatives, to providing essential services for older customers, Yarlside Stores is a great example of a community retailer at its best.

We also welcomed the recent announcements on high street renewal and additional funding to tackle rogue traders, key priorities that ACS has long championed.

While there’s still more to do, visits like this highlight the vital role convenience stores play in communities across the UK. Creating the right environment for these stores to flourish is more important than ever.

21/05/2026

Great to engage with the Department for Business and Trade and the Low Pay Commission this week, making sure the voice of local shops is heard.

We brought retailers directly into key policy discussions and helped shape thinking ahead of our submission next month, particularly on zero-hours contracts and third-party harassment.

👉 If you haven’t yet contributed to this work, there’s still time. Our Employment Survey is open and your input will directly inform our advocacy: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACSEmployment2026

19/05/2026

🚨 A major win for local shops and communities 🚨

We’re proud to see the impact of ACS’ sustained campaigning recognised in the latest government action on tackling rogue traders.

The announcement of £30 million in funding, including £6 million specifically for Trading Standards, is a crucial step forward in strengthening enforcement and protecting responsible retailers.

For too long, rogue traders have undermined legitimate businesses, putting consumers at risk and eroding trust in local high streets. This investment sends a clear signal: enforcement matters, and those who play by the rules deserve to be protected.

What this means:
✅ Stronger enforcement against illegal trading activity
✅ Better resourcing for Trading Standards teams on the ground
✅ Greater protection for responsible retailers and their customers

We look forward to seeing this investment make a real difference on the ground for retailers and the communities they serve.

🔗 https://www.acs.org.uk/press-releases/acs-welcomes-stronger-enforcement-against-rogue-traders

15/05/2026

Thanks to John Milne MP for coming down to Budgens Southwater and Post Office this week, a brilliant store with a long community history in the area.

15/05/2026

We're pleased to have signed this open letter along with other business leaders, condemning all forms of antisemitism. The convenience sector is a place where everyone should be welcome.

13/05/2026

Our 60 second round up of the Kings Speech and the announcements that will affect local shops.

1. The Police Reform Bill

2. The Digital Access to Services Bill

3. The Energy Independence Bill

4. The Competition Reform Bill

5. The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill

12/05/2026

https://www.acs.org.uk/news/acs-promotes-chris-noice-and-jordan-newfield-new-roles-external-affairs-team

ACS has promoted Chris Noice and Jordan Newfield to new roles to further strengthen its campaigning voice to Government.

07/05/2026

Where do the parties line up on the issues affecting local shops?

For anyone heading to the polls today in Wales and Scotland, we've put together our 'Manifestos at a Glance' resources to help you easily compare the commitments made by the main parties on issues like crime, high streets, environmental policy and employment.

Both the Wales and Scotland infographics are available to download in full from our website here: https://www.acs.org.uk/news/manifestos-glance-welsh-and-scottish-elections

06/05/2026

Retailers, we need your views on employment in the convenience sector!

We've launched our annual Employment Survey, which will inform our evidence to the Low Pay Commission on the future direction of the National Living Wage, as well as our ongoing campaign to highlight the cost of trading to Government.

The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete, and every response is incredibly helpful.

Complete the survey here:

Questions on employment, wage rates, recruitment and policy.

01/05/2026

We're encouraging all fuel retailers to ensure that every site is signed up to the Fuel Finder scheme.

From May 1st, the Competition and Markets Authority will be enforcing against those who are not signed up to the scheme or not reporting their fuel prices.

Details on how to sign up are here:

Find out about the Fuel Finder service.

30/04/2026

The widespread coverage of illicit mini-marts and pop-up shops appearing on high streets and in communities will be concerning for legitimate retailers who don't want to be tarred with the same brush.

We are absolutely committed to stopping these rogue traders, and believe that people do know the difference between established responsible local shops, and criminals selling dodgy goods.