Episodes

  • 78: Looking Ahead to 2026

    78: Looking Ahead to 2026
    Dec 31 2025
    Chris is joined by Paul, Daniel, Jordan and Rosie in the ACS team to look ahead to 2026 on some of the key areas that will affect the convenience sector, and the ways that you can get involved with our activity in the year ahead.

    Check out some of the resources mentioned in the episode below:

    Upcoming events: https://www.acs.org.uk/events/upcoming-events
    Policy Tracker: https://www.acs.org.uk/web-portal/briefings-and-advice/policy-tracker
    Crime Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACSCrime2026
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    21 mins
  • 77: Budget Preview 2025

    77: Budget Preview 2025
    Nov 24 2025
    Chris sits down with James and Ed to discuss what's coming in the Budget, looking at everything from business rates to crime, fuel duty and employment costs.
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    25 mins
  • 76: Is AI about to change convenience?

    76: Is AI about to change convenience?
    Oct 13 2025
    We talk to John Clancy, co-founder and CEO of Galvia AI about how artificial intelligence can change the way that convenience retailers think about their businesses.

    Galvia AI is a sponsor of the ACS Innovation and NPD Showcase, taking place on October 21st at the National Football Museum.

    More information about Galvia is available here: https://galvia.ai/
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    36 mins
  • 75: What Next in the Battle against Crime?

    75: What Next in the Battle against Crime?
    Mar 10 2025
    The ACS Crime Report has revealed a new record level of shop theft, with over 6.2million offences committed in the last year. The report comes on the eve of the second reading of the Crime and Policing Bill, which aims to make a meaningful change to crime in communities.

    In this episode, Chris Noice is joined by Nisa head of retail Taranjit Dhillon, independent retailer Ben Salvaratnam, James Lowman and Ed Woodall to discuss the findings of the Crime Report and what strategies work in local shops to reduce crime in the future.
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    31 mins
  • 74: Budget Reaction: Big Changes to Employment Costs

    74: Budget Reaction: Big Changes to Employment Costs
    Oct 30 2024
    Chris and James talk through the impact of the main announcements in the new Labour Government's first Budget, including employer National Insurance Contributions, business rates, and a new commitment on tackling shoplifting.
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    22 mins
  • 73: What's in the Manifestos?

    73: What's in the Manifestos?
    Jun 14 2024
    Chris, James and Ed talk through the commitments made in the manifestos released this week from the main parties looking to count on your vote at the General Election. We cover how the parties stack up on key issues like crime, business rates, employment and public health.

    Get the latest from the campaign trail at the ACS Election Centre online at ACS.org.uk
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    31 mins
  • 72: Employment Opportunities for Everyone

    72: Employment Opportunities for Everyone
    Jun 12 2024
    James is joined by Gareth Evans from Spectra, Phil Ponsonby from Midcounties Co-operative and Anna Butcher from John Lewis to discuss how convenience retailers are working with the underutilised parts of the workforce, including ex-military, prison leavers and care leavers, to provide important career opportunities.
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    36 mins
  • 71: The Election is Coming: What Happens Next

    71: The Election is Coming: What Happens Next
    May 23 2024
    We react to the news that the General Election will be held on July 4th after a surprise announcement from the Prime Minister. Plus, what does the election mean for legislation that's currently working its way through parliament, and how can you get involved with the campaign by hosting a store visit with candidates.
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    16 mins