The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has outlined what convenience stores in Wales need from the next Welsh Government in a meeting of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops.
At the meeting, the ACS set out ways the next Welsh Government can support retailers after May’s election in areas such as retail crime, explaining that a strengthened police capacity and improved reporting systems would be key.
It also advised of the urgency in removing barriers to investing in crime prevention measures and a prioritisation of funding for Trading Standards.
In addition, when it comes to business rates, the ACS said there would be a need to maintain a meaningfully lower multiplier for local shops and a reform of Small Business Rate Relief.
Finally, when it comes to the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme, the ACS pointed out that any new scheme needed to be cost neutral for retailers, with more clarity needed on what they need to do and when, and to achieve a synchonicity with the rest of the UK
The meeting also heard from Matthew Hunt, owner of Filco supermarkets, and Emma Corfield-Walters, owner of independent bookshops Bookish, about the current challenges facing local shops in Wales and the support that they need in the next Senedd term.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “The upcoming Welsh Election in May could mark a significant change for future policymaking, so it’s essential all parties are aware of the incredible contribution that convenience stores make in Wales and the support that they need from the next Welsh Government to be able to focus on growth and investment in their businesses.”
ACS has also put together a briefing for Members of the Senedd on what local shops need from the next Government, available here.
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