Recently, we published the second iteration of our centrepiece research project, the Local Shop Report.

The report is our opportunity to tell MPs and Ministers everything they need to know about the contribution the convenience sector makes to UK plc.

The first Local Shop Report, published this time last year, was an overwhelming success not just with politicians and Government officials, but also with retailers, suppliers and academics looking to find out more about the sector and this year, we have put even more information into the report to paint a vivid picture of the c-store sector not just as it stands today, but how things might look in the future.

The Local Shop Report demonstrates that convenience retailers are some of the hardest working people in the UK, creating 375,000 jobs, investing millions into their communities and embracing new technologies like click and collect to meet the demands of customers.

The core offering in stores is also changing – fruit and veg sales grew by 12% over the last year, making it the fastest-growing category. Also, 11% more retailers are offering grocery delivery to customers, showing that there has been resurgence in stores offering personalised services, especially to older members of the community.

Over the next few weeks, we will be mailing every one of the 650 MPs in Parliament with the report and a constituency card containing specific details about the jobs that convenience stores create in their area. This isn’t just about educating MPs though. We want them to act, and we will be encouraging them to spend some time in their local shop to find out what they can do to help in the future.

The Local Shop Report is available as a free download at www.acs.org.uk/research.

You can also request your own constituency card or a hard copy of the report by getting in touch with us on 01252 515 001.