Retail Service Providers
Through the C-Store Ready programme or Associate Membership, ACS have a number of companies that might be of use to retailers in their businesses:
Funding
j4b
j4b is an information services company providing research, information publishing and technology solutions for business, public and community sector organisations. j4b has offices in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.
j4b's clients range from Central, Regional and Local government to social enterprises and voluntary and community groups. Our expertise lies in the dissemination of complex economic development support information through the delivery of our range of off the shelf and bespoke tools. j4b's main strength is that we work closely with our clients to ensure that not only are their objectives met but their expectations are surpassed.
Business Banking
Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank
In these uncertain economic times, you can feel secure in the knowledge that your business is in safe hands with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank, part of the Santander Group – one of the world’s safest banks with operations in over 40 countries and more than 90 million customers.
They have recently been awarded the highly prestigious title of ‘Business Bank of the Year 2009’ by independent industry experts, Business Moneyfacts. What’s more, they’ve also been named ‘Best Business Current Account Provider’ for a record seventh consecutive year.
To find out more or apply just call 0800 068 6698 quoting reference AF0398 and tell the advisor that you’re a member of ACS. Alternatively you can find more information in the leaflet below:
AandL Business Banking Leaflet
*Calls are recorded and may be monitored for security, quality control and training purposes.
Supply Chain Solutions
Retalix UK Limited
Retalix software solutions automate and synchronize retail, distribution, and supply chain operations for stores, headquarters, and warehouses.
Business Computer Projects
Leading supplier of Food and Drink Supply Chain solutions with a fully-featured EPoS solution developed especially for the convenience sector. Currently operating in over 1,600 stores.
Card Processing
Cardsave
Cardsave is the UK’s largest buying group for independent retailers and offer ACS members savings on a wide range of business costs including credit and debit card processing.
Retail Merchant Services
Retail Merchant Services (RMS) specialise in reducing business costs for independent retailers including debit and credit card processing costs.
Streamline
Streamline is the leading provider of merchant accounts in Europe, giving businesses the ability to accept debit and credit card payments face to face, by phone or online.
Contactless Cards
The Contactless info web site is designed specifically for retailers in the UK who have an interest in Contactless card acceptance. The site contains general information about Contactless cards and an insight into the potential business benefits as well as training materials and point-of-sale material designed to help promote Contactless usage. The site has been prepared in conjunction with all the leading card companies in the UK.
For more information retailers are advised to contact their acquiring bank in the first instance. Retailers who do not currently accept card payments can review the Links to Participants page or email support@contactless.info to be put in touch with the appropriate contacts.
EPoS Solutions
YP Electronics
A leading supplier of EPoS support and nationally known as one of the best in terms of retail technology. With 25 years of experience in the bank, YP Electronics is widely recommended by the top wholesalers and Symbol groups in the country and has gained the trust of over 4000 retailers nationwide with a standard of excellence in IT support unparalleled within the retail trade industry today. YP offer an individually tailored, cost-effective solution to all your EPoS requirements allowing you to utilise the software to suit you and make positive, profit making changes to the way you run your business.
Torex
EPOS designed for the forecourt now fully developed for the convenience store
Surveyors
Christie & Co
The UK's leading firm of surveyors, valuers, broker and advisors specialising in the retail sector.
Security
Colindale Associates Ltd
Prevent high value items being shoplifted. Colindale offer a wide range of product protection systems from tagging through to physical devices.
PJS CCTV
PJS CCTV are continually at the forefront of the CCTV market, delivering old fashioned values coupled with the latest quality products, installed to the highest standards at the best prices. Our services include: CCTV; Covert CCTV; DPA Compliance Advice; Investigations; Cash Handling Procedures; Conflict Management; Asset Management; Loss Prevention.
Stanley Security Solutions Ltd
Stanley Security Solutions is a leading provider of Security, Communication, Time and Attendance systems and Digital Communal Ariel Systems. With over 20,000 customers in the UK, we are part of the Stanley Works, a New York Stock Exchange top 500 company and worldwide supplier of tools, hardware and security solutions across the globe. From design and installation to technical support and service, whenever you need us, where ever you need us… we’ll be there.
Action Against Business Crime
Action Against Business Crime is a not-for-profit organisation with a remit to reduce business crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are pleased to be able to offer members of the Association of Convenience Stores free installation of an SSAIB certified security system with keyholder response, monitored by an NSI Gold certified alarm receiving station. The system is owned by your business from the outset and the only cost is a 36 month monitoring and aftercare contract competitively priced at £35+VAT pm. The total outlay for three years is £1260+VAT - a fraction of the cost for police monitored systems. To find out more, visit the website and click on the monitored bell box
Shop Fittings
Contrast Shopfitters
Shop fitters for the retail trade.
Daikin Air Conditioning Ltd
Developers of the Conveni- pack, a unique integrated refrigeration and air conditioning system offering significant energy savings for the convenience retail sector.
Insurance
Jardine Lloyd Thompson
JLT offer ACS members business insurance solutions for retailers.
Bluefin
Bluefin offer market-leading, specialist insurance solutions for convenience stores and forecourts. Their team of insurance experts have a depth of knowledge and experience of this kind of business and can offer cover that is designed for convenience retail businesses.
This includes an affordable solution to the nightmare of Pollution Liability. Under new, 2009 legislation, both the potential scale of cost, and the likelihood of occurrence, are comparable to fires. So, insurance for the clean-up costs that can be enforced following leakage from underground fuel tanks and lines is strongly advisable.
Licence Applications
Lockett and co
Lockett is a (off) licensing expert that can help with personal and premises licence applications or transfers.
Delivery Solutions
Parcelcountry
Parcelcountry believe that there are many things that are best accomplished by local communities working together. Parcel Country enables local communities to work together to create a convenient and inexpensive solution to the problem of home deliveries. The internet has changed the way we shop and there are many very good delivery companies out there, but nothing can get away from the fact that many of us aren’t at home nine to five, Monday to Friday. Parcel Country solves this problem by connecting online shoppers with Community Recipients – local people and businesses in their neighbourhood to whom they can have their parcels delivered for collection at a time convenient to both.
WYWO Ltd
WYWO (While You Were Out) provides the link between customers and online retailers, by its network of convenience stores which act as drop off and collection points for goods ordered over the internet. By signing up to the WYWO network, you will earn extra income, bring new customers through your doors and play an even more vital part in your local community.
Wine, Beer and Spirits
Constellation Europe
Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across the wine, imported beer and spirits categories.
Training
Retail Plus
The Skills Store offer a training package, Retail Plus, which consists of easy-to-use workbooks designed to help increase sales and raise productivity within convenience stores. Content is written with support from retail clients and experts in the fields of Health & Safety, environmental health and trading standards and successful completion leads to nationally recognised qualifications. Click on the logo for further details.
Test Purchasing
Serve Legal
Serve Legal provides an independent test purchase service for retailers of age restricted products across the UK to check your staff are checking young people for ID. We check your performance against age-related legislation and deliver workable solutions to protect your business. Visit our website for more information and contact details.
Waste Management
1st Waste Management
Founded in 1999, 1st Waste Management are a leading waste broker servicing in excess of 5,000 clients and managing more than 2million lifts per annum throughout the UK. 1st Waste Management can provide any type of container for general waste, recycled cardboard, paper, plastics, glass and hazardous waste.