More speakers have been announced for the convenience and local shop sector’s pre-eminent political event, the ACS Heart of the Community conference.

Taking place virtually on 13th October, the day will bring together c-store retailers, industry experts and senior policy makers.

Attendees will explore how the latest political agenda and coronavirus will impact businesses now and into the future.

Bestselling author and political academic Professor Matthew Goodwin is confirmed as keynote speaker to discuss the forces shaping British politics and ways this will impact local shops.

Other confirmed speakers include:

• Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK
• Edward Perry, Co-founder of COOK
• Michaela Rhode, Associate Director of BritainThinks
• James Lowman, Chief Executive, of ACS (conference chair)

This year’s conference is split into two sessions delivering powerful insights on two critical issues for the convenience store sector:

• Covid-19 and Community Credentials: Consumer Views on the Future and Local Shops
• Assessing the Covid-19 Food Legacy for Shops and Policy

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the vital role that our sector and colleagues play in the lives of communities across the UK.

Convenience retailers have done a phenomenal job in adapting throughout the outbreak to ensure that they can continue to feed their customers and make a positive difference in their local areas.

“We’re delighted to be able to hold our Heart of the Community conference which will provide retailers with the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and industry experts about the key political debates affecting the sector and what these might mean for retailers.”

Heart of the Community is free for members to attend, for more information and to book your place, click here.