The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched a briefing for the convenience sector to help retailers consider how their business may be affected in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

brexit

The Brexit Readiness Briefing covers three core elements that may be affected if the UK leave the EU with no deal: trading environment; workforce and people; and regulations.

The briefing, which has been developed in consultation with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, includes a number of considerations for retailers to think about in relation to their business and suggests some preparations they can make in advance.

It warns of potential fresh product shortages and advises retailers to take an “agile approach” to stock management and speak to their suppliers about the impact of border delays on deliveries.

The briefing also highlights that certain product labels will need to change in the months following a no deal.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience store operators are concerned and confused about the impact of Brexit and in particular the consequences of exiting the EU without a deal or transition period. Retailers can’t prepare for every possible scenario, but they can consider the main impacts on their business: supply chain disruption and product availability, the employment status of their workforce, and the regulatory changes that would occur.

“This briefing is a checklist of issues for local shops to be considering and taking action to prepare for, and we’re grateful to supply chain colleagues and government officials for advising on this work.”

The full briefing is available here.

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