AT ACS, we tend to spend a lot of our time working on the major issues with decision makers in Westminster that could affect the whole convenience sector over the coming years.

While this is important work, we also know that local interpretation of regulations can vary enormously.

The law, for example, on the tobacco display ban, is clear, but we know from retailers in larger stores that trading standards officers can have their own views on how you should comply.

[pull_quote_right]It’s a real game changer for the convenience sector, and we’re excited about the way that the advice will develop and grow [/pull_quote_right]

When you start getting into more complex areas such as the right procedures for training staff to challenge customers that look underage, or good hygiene regulations, local interpretation can vary even more, and a visit from local trading standards or an environmental health officer leads to real uncertainty for a business.

It is even more of a challenge for entrepreneurs who have opened more than one store and may find themselves having to set different rules and employ different training strategies for each store – costing time and money that could be better spent on improving their business.

This is why we set up our Assured Advice scheme for members. Assured Advice means you only have to follow one set of rules to be compliant, and no local authorities can challenge your approach to compliance.

It’s a real game changer for the convenience sector, and we are excited about the way that the advice will develop and grow over the coming year.

To find out more about Assured Advice and Primary Authority Partnerships, visit our website at www.acs.org.uk/advice.