James Lowman

We have published a new guide for convenience store retailers, outlining all of the different signs and notices that local shops need to display in store to stay on the right side of the law: acs.org.uk/news/acs-launc…

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@julianHjessop @SteveBakerFRSA I can’t see if there’s a lower earnings threshold on NICs in India. Total NICs in India 24%, in UK 25%, that might be altered by threshold differences (it might even mean NICs rates are higher in India) At most, especially with three year limit, it’s a very small imbalance?

I think it would be better to wait for the full details of the UK-India trade deal including a proper impact assessment before leaping to judgement, but here goes anyway... At first sight this deal looks like a win-win, including the agreement to exempt Indian workers from social security contributions in the UK (and vice versa). This appears to be a standard agreement to avoid double taxation for people working here temporarily, just like we already have with many other countries. Without it, Indian workers and their employers in the UK have to pay social security contributions in both the UK and India, even though they are not eligible for all the benefits (especially the state pension) that National Insurance gets you. What's more, the worker/employer will still have to pay Indian social security contributions, which are similar to those in the UK, as well as other additional costs including visa/sponsorship fees and the NHS surcharge. So this deal alone will not allow Indian workers to 'undercut' British ones, especially as visa numbers will still be limited. Instead, it creates a level playing field between the two, which is surely a good thing? I stand ready to be corrected, but does anyone think I'm wrong on this? 🤔

We have officially launched the ACS 2025 Welsh Local Shop Report, celebrating the key contributions that Welsh convenience stores make to their communities. Read about it here: acs.org.uk/news/convenien…

Last night's #YoungLions Player of the Match connected by @EE? 🥁 Omari Hutchinson ✨

Extremely proud of @SohamTownRanger 1st Team today away at Brantham. A 2-0 win against a strong side who are top of the league.The entire team gave it their all and the effort was rewarded. Some big games ahead but we are in a good place to take them head on.

We have updated our Assured Advice Guides for 2025, ensuring that all guides are up to date with the most relevant information and resources for retailers, especially in preparation for upcoming policy changes this year. Read more and download the guides here: acs.org.uk/news/prepare-u…

It has been a real privilege to serve Usdaw over the years and I feel proud of what we have achieved together. My time as General Secretary has brought many challenges but I will be retiring with the Union in very good shape financially and with growing membership.

There's two weeks left to complete our Colleague Survey, where you can share your experience as a convenience colleague with us for the chance to win 1 of ten £100 One4All vouchers. Take part in the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/ACSColleague…

@kientan74 @GfK @PwC_UK @LisaJ_Hooker We were hearing in October, from consumers through members, that the govt’s pre-budget expectation management was dampening spending. Logical: if you might be negatively impacted, best to have a bit more in the bank before that happens. These GDP figures chime with that intel

📉 ...maybe not such an "uncharitable view" of the UK economy given the GDP decline announced today, but the latest @GfK consumer confidence figures support @PwC_UK's hypothesis of a #vibecession holding back consumer demand, despite 10% higher disposable income than last year

Today, ACS Government Relations Director Edward Woodall gave evidence to a Committee of MPs in parliament, responding to a Bill aimed at giving retailers and hospitality businesses more relief on their business rates.

@ACS_LocalShops calls for lower rates multiplier for small shops hubs.li/Q02_f9Hb0

Our Chief Executive @JMLowman is giving oral evidence to MPs on the Employment Rights Bill at 11:30am. You can watch this live here: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/8c…

As retailers we are lucky to have @ACS_LocalShops giving us a voice at the highest levels. A great interview with @ChrisNoice on BBC Breakfast this morning discussing shop theft and the impacts of it.

This week is @UsdawUnion National Respect for Shopworkers week. @ACS_LocalShops is proud to support this long-standing campaign which is now more relevant than ever. I was pleased to show my support at the @UKLabour conference a few weeks ago

So excited to announce that joining me among the executive producers of Oscar contending short film Room Taken is screen icon Colin Farrell. This beautiful and heartfelt film, which Variety tipped for a nomination, screens for Oscar voters in LA this week and New York next week.

There are - crucially - a lot of reasons you don’t win a match but it’d be lovely to see Ipswich get just one decision before the 38 games are done.

Join ⁦@ChrisNoice⁩ and ⁦@JMLowman⁩ to analyse the impact of the measures announced today on employer NICs, business rates, crime and more podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/acs…

Great to be part of the Enterprise Forum reception this evening at #CPC24 with Kevin Hollinrake and Jeremy Hunt meeting Jordan from our public affairs team

Good to support #ShopKind which a retail industry campaign, co-ordinated by the Association of Convenience Stores with the @ukhomeoffice responding to the growing problem of abuse & violence toward shopworkers. Myself and @MWheelerMP have long campaigned on this issue.