The ACS has produced a Local Engagement Guide, designed to help retailers make sure their voice is heard by local decision makers.

The guide offers assistance in identifying who are the most important people retailers should engage with in their area and contains advice on how to approach them.

The ACS launched the guide at its Heart of the Community event last week, where retailers heard from retailers and MPs, including High Streets Minister Andrew Percy and Shadow Small Business Minister Bill Esterson, on the importance of forming local relationships.

Convenience stores are one of the services on the high street that have the most positive impact on their local area

“With more decisions being made at a local level, it’s essential that retailers make their voices heard to councils, local police forces and other authorities,” said ACS chief executive James Lowman.

“Convenience stores are one of the services on the high street that have the most positive impact on their local area, and there are over 50,000 stores across the UK, so it’s important that they are an integral part of the local decision making process.

“We are delighted that the Government supports our guide to retailers on being part local decision making, and will continue to engage with both central and local government to encourage them to listen to the concerns of local shops.”

Since the launch of the Localism Act in 2011, the Government has devolved power to local decision makers by introducing Police and Crime Commissioners, directly elected mayors and allowing local authorities to retain 100% of business rates income.

The full guide is available on the ACS website.