All articles by James Lowman – Page 2
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OpinionWhy ‘all in’ DRS is bad news for retailers
Last week, as Theresa May’s premiership approached its end, we saw government ministers and departments releasing consultations, statements, statistics and policy announcements as a final parting shot before the summer recess and the likely formation of a new cabinet, writes the ACS’ James Lowman.
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OpinionAssured advice for all retailers
While there’s no doubt that our exit from the European Union is still grabbing most of the headlines, there are plenty of rules and regulation changes to keep retailers occupied on a day-to-day basis, writes ACS chief executive James Lowman.
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BlogWhy reporting crime is crucial
It is key that we take this opportunity to highlight the cost of crime not only in terms of financial loss, but its human impact, writes ACS chief executive James Lowman.
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OpinionCounting the cost of crime
Whenever we talk to retailers about the biggest issues they face on a day-to-day basis, the number one thing that comes up time and again is crime, writes the ACS chief executive.
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BlogReady for digital tax returns?
The government is introducing Making Tax Digital reforms as part of a long-term plan to help businesses keep on top of their tax affairs, and in principle that makes complete sense, writes James.
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BlogReporting retail crime
If retailers stop reporting crimes when they take place there’s a danger that forces will see theft as even less of a priority over time, says James.
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BlogState influence
There are two areas of consumer behaviour that the government is looking to influence in 2019 and which will have a direct impact on convenience stores: plastic bag use and diet choices.
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BlogFocus on energy drinks
Store owners should debate selling energy drinks to children with their community, says James.
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BlogSelf promotion
The sector clearly needs to shout more about its benefits to the community, James believes.
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BlogFar-reaching impact?
Last week the Scottish government published a consultation aimed at tackling obesity. We’ve seen a number of policies start in Scotland then become law in Westminster, says James.
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BlogFlexible working
The Local Shop Report shows how the sector is offering employment flexibility, says James.
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BlogRating the options
If the government wants to torch the business rates system, that’s fine by us, but many of the things that would make the system fairer and more effective don’t need a whole new system.
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BlogFee to use?
Link must continue to be held to account over the effects of interchange fee cuts, James argues.
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BlogTargeting business crime
The recent expert report on tackling retail crime takes a pragmatic approach, says James.
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BlogThe value of c-store jobs
There is much more to consider than rates per hour when it comes to employment, argues James
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BlogRural ATM threat
Cuts to the Link cash machine interchange fee are concerning, says James Lowman.
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BlogTake shop theft seriously
The way the police, courts and government treat shop theft is a growing concern for James.
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BlogBudget analysis
So what did you make of the Budget? Frustration with announcements on minimum pay and tobacco duty, or silver linings on business rates?
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BlogToo many unknowns
Until operational concerns are addressed, a deposit return scheme cannot work, says James.