News GOVERNMENT FUNDING Extension to popular initiative comes with strings attached
Watchdog gives nod to MFG-MRH merger The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given its approval to Motor Fuel Group’s (MFG) takeover of rival forecourt operator MRH. The watchdog’s decision means Motor Fuel Group is free to combine the two businesses and operate as one company under the MFG banner. For the time being though, 52 MRH stations will be managed independently from the rest of the business to
Extra £300k food-to-go funding announced First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used her keynote speech at the centenary SGF Conference to announce an extension of the Food-to-Go fund, which will receive an additional £300,000 in 2019 to help retailers install food-to-go stations in their stores. However, new criteria aligned to the matched funding initiative
means that successful applicants will now also have to undertake a commitment to reduce food and packaging waste. Sturgeon said: “A diverse and successful convenience store sector is vital in serving communities throughout Scotland. Last year’s Food-to-Go fund was very effective in supporting small retailers the
allay CMA concerns over a lack of competition in several geographic areas. This so-called ‘Hold Separate’ order will remain in place until 15 of these stations, along with 23 MFG sites, are sold to rival businesses.
Scottish success at SuperStation awards Two Scottish forecourts were among the winners at Certas
length and breadth of the country to entice customers into their stores and generate a new income stream for grocers. “This new funding will build on that, helping grocers to provide people with access to good quality, locally sourced and healthy food as well as providing an important focus on waste reduction.” The First Minister also paid tribute to the Federation, praising its “invaluable contribution” to the economy and society over the last 100 years. She also pledged that the Scottish Government would continue to work in partnership with retailers and listen to their concerns over forthcoming legislation that will restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
Energy’s 2018 SuperStation Gala Awards Dinner, held on October 11 at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club. The Green Welly in Tyndrum picked up the prize for Best Forecourt Facilities while Kilmarnock’s Burnpark Filling Station came top in the Best Pace Site category.
Gulf strengthens retail lubricant offer to dealers Gulf Retail has unveiled a new distribution and marketing tie-up with Convenience Distribution Group (CDG) that improves the lubricant offering for Gulf dealers nationwide, including faster delivery times and no minimum order requirement. The partnership includes dedicated visits from CDG’s sales team to improve product marketing and increase revenue potential. A new online ‘lubricant finder’ allows motorists and dealers to input a vehicle registration number to find out the exact Gulf lubricant required. There will be a special promotion to help launch the initiative and Gulf dealers will receive a new planogram and
RETAIL CRIME Survey shows extent of support for a ‘tough new law’
Public backs protection for shopworkers as legislation stalls A new poll has revealed that 85% of UK adults surveyed agree that “the government owes a duty of care to shopworkers who enforce important laws restricting the sale of certain items like alcohol, acid and knives”. Over four in 10 (41%) of respondents also thought – when presented with four options – the best way to protect shopworkers is “a tough new law to increase criminal sentences for anyone convicted of using threats or violence against a shopworker”. The poll of 1,095 people was conducted by the Co-operative Party, and the results came ahead of what should have a been a giant leap forward in the fight against retail violence. The Offensive Weapons Bill, which requires shopworkers to enforce new restrictions on the sale of acid and other corrosive substances, was due to complete its passage through the House of Commons but was withdrawn at the last minute.
An amendment tabled by Labour MP David Hanson would have created a new offence of obstructing or threatening shop staff while doing their job, with fines of up to £2,500. The amendment was supported by the British Retail Consortium and shopworkers’ union Usdaw. Labour & Co-operative MP Alex Norris had already spoken in the Commons to make the case for attacks on retail staff at work to be treated in court as ‘aggravated’ assaults. This would make offenders liable to a longer prison sentence to reflect the fact that their victim was serving the public. Norris commented: “Every day, more than 260 retail workers face violence, just for doing their jobs. Six of those daily incidents involve a knife, two involve a gun. “Nobody should face violence at work, and we have a particular responsibility to protect those who put themselves on the line to enforce the law.”
PAYMENT SERVICES
Post Office/ Payzone deal goes through The Post Office has completed its acquisition of the Payzone Bill Payments business following approval of the deal by the Competition and Markets Authority. The move means the Post Office will acquire an additional network of more than 13,000 Payzone Bill Payment outlets, along with its bill payment technology. Payzone Bill Payments is set to operate as a subsidiary of the Post Office. The Post Office Group will own and operate the Payzone brand, although there are no current plans to change it. Work will also begin on integrating technology in both Payzone outlets and Post Offices, so customers can pay the same bills at either.
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SLR | NOVEMBER 2018
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