Today we reveal our high street Ultimate Team: Pharmacies, Post Offices and convenience stores. These are the top three local services, as judged by UK consumers in the new ACS Community Barometer. Full report here:

ACS chief executive James Lowman (@JMLowman) is to step down from his role as chief executive in early 2026. James joined ACS in 1997 and has been chief executive since 2006. More here:

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80% of retailers already have a voluntary policy in place on restricting the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, so we anticipate that the new consultation on a ban will provide some welcome clarity for both retailers and customers.

We are delighted to announce Natalie Lightfoot as the winner of the 2025 Raj Aggarwal Trophy, a trophy celebrating exceptional community retailing. More info here

Despite the challenges faced by local shops as a result of rising costs, convenience retailers have remained committed to serving their communities have invested £916million in their stores over the past year. The 2025 Local Shop Report is available here:

Local shops provide their communities with access to essential products and services. Today we’re launching our 2025 Local Shop Report which provides a comprehensive look at the role that convenience stores play in their communities. More info here:

Today we are launching a new campaign urging retailers to write to their local MP, calling for action on business rates in the Autumn Budget. More info here

Welsh Government to Include Glass in Deposit Return Scheme from Day One

Shop theft figures recorded by the police have reached another record high, but the reality is still 10x higher. Full reaction here:

Our Innovation Showcase is a great way to discover the products and trends that are going to change the convenience sector in 2026. Join us in Manchester in October! .

There's less than two months until Heart of the Community 2025, taking place at the House of Commons Attlee Suite and Terrace Pavilion. Read about it and book your place here:

We have submitted oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission on the future direction of minimum wage rates, highlighting the impact that rising costs over the last year are already having on local shops. Read about it here:

Book your place for Heart of the Community, our annual political conference focused on community retailing and the political developments affecting local shops. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure yours here:

The Food Standards Agency has launched a new campaign to help retailers communicate the recommended age restrictions on slush drinks containing glycerol. More information here:

We have published a new guide for convenience store retailers, outlining all of the different signs and notices that local shops need to display in store to stay on the right side of the law:

RT @vickyfoxcroft: Everyone deserves to feel welcome when they shop. @ACS_LocalShops’ #EveryoneWelcome guide can help retailers make smal….

We are delighted to announce the finalists for this year’s Raj Aggarwal Trophy! Make sure to get your vote in here: More information can be found here:

Book your place for Heart of the Community, our annual political conference focused on community retailing and the political developments affecting local shops. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure yours here:

Retailers are reminded that from 1 October 2025, regulations restricting the promotion of products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) will come into force in England. Read about it here:

Thank you to @currys for supporting the #ShopKind campaign! . Retailers can support the campaign this week by downloading materials from the official National Business Crime Centre website: