ACS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- William Reed Business Media Ltd
Andrew joined WRBM 1992, with responsibility for the circulation and marketing services for Forecourt Trader and Off Licence News. Andrew grew the events & exhibitions portfolio, becoming Divisional MD in 2002, and now oversees central events contracts, the International Wine Challenge and an exhibitions portfolio that encompasses 10 shows and a team of 30.
Prior to WRBM, Andrew served in the 9/12 Royal Lancers for 11 years, including tours in Germany, the Lebanon and UK. Outside of WRBM, Andrew is on the board of the Association of Convenience Stores and the Wine and Spirits Trade Benevolent Fund, and treasurer of the Association of Event Managers.
Anna joined ACS in January 2024. Prior to this, she graduated with an MSci Psychology degree and worked at an Employer Branding and Early Talent agency. She currently supports the Communications Team with internal and external communications.
Chloe joined ACS in July 2017, having achieved a degree in Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing from Southampton Solent University. She is responsible for managing the production of ACS communications, building relationships with trade press contacts and responding to requests from the ACS membership.
Job Titles:
- Communications Director
- Spokesperson
Chris joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University with a degree in English and Linguistics. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations and a growing research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report.
Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently on national and regional radio and television including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and the Daily Politics show.
Chris completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in 2013, the CIM Strategic Marketing Masterclass in 2017 and the University of Oxford Said Business School Executive Leadership Programme in 2022.
Colm Johnson is the Vice Chair (Commercial) of the Association of Convenience Stores.
Colm has over 30 years of experience in the wholesale industry. He started his career as a part time cash & carry assistant with Linfood Cash & Carry in Rochdale.
He progressed to Assistant Manager in 1988, which led to management roles across the North West, before leading the team that opened Booker's flag ship catering branch in Stockport in 1997. Following the success of this new branch, Colm then turned around loss making branches in northern England.
In 2002, Colm moved to the buying role of Regional Trading Controller for Scotland and northern England. This focussed around understanding local markets, regional prices and customer satisfaction, as well as negotiating with suppliers to ensure the best possible value for both retail and catering customers.
Colm moved to Director of Trading - Impulse in 2006. Leading a team of over 20 people, he was responsible for buying all retail product, price, improving cash profit and customer satisfaction for Booker customers.
In September 2019 Colm moved to his current role of Managing Director, Booker Group - Retail. Colm is responsible for the development of the complete Booker Group retail business through Booker Wholesale, Booker Retail Partners and all independent, regional and national accounts.
Daniel joined ACS in February 2022, after graduating with a master's degree in International Relations from Newcastle University. Before joining ACS, Daniel worked as a research assistant at Newcastle University, working on projects associated with the UN'S Sustainable Development Goals. As Public Affairs Executive, his key policy areas are obesity, alcohol and tobacco. Daniel is responsible for consulting members on key policy developments and responding to government consultations.
Job Titles:
- Government Relations Director
Ed joined ACS in September 2009 having graduated from Roehampton University in 2007. As Government Relations Director Ed is responsible for communicating ACS' policy positions across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved nations with civil servants, parliamentarians and external stakeholders. Ed consults with ACS members through ACS' Policy Committee and Expert Policy Groups to develop policy positions and the organisation's public affairs strategy.
Ed has given evidence to numerous parliamentary committees in Westminster and devolved nations and contributes to policy developments across a range of government working groups including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Home Office.
Ed completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in Public Relations in 2013. Ed is currently studying for his MBA at Surrey Business School.
Faye joined ACS in February 2023 after having worked 5 years in customer service, in the car auction trade and hospitality. She is responsible for supporting the commercial team and working alongside Grace to source new prospects and take care of supplier memberships.
Job Titles:
- Supplier Relations Executive
Having graduated from the University of Winchester with a business management degree, Grace went on to work in a customer service and support based role in Guildford prior to joining ACS in March 2021. She is responsible for sourcing new prospects and supporting the commercial team.
Job Titles:
- SPAR in 2012 As Its Head of Retail
Ian joined SPAR in 2012 as its Head of Retail, before being promoted to the position of Retail Director in 2016. Ian is responsible for SPAR's retail strategy, format development, national accounts and retailer engagement.
James was appointed ACS Chief Executive in November 2006. He has led ACS on political and policy representation, driven a unique research programme that informs ACS' policy work, launched an industry-leading assured advice scheme in partnership with Surrey County Council, and created a new and unique events programme. James is a member of ministerial advisory groups including the National Retail Crime Steering Group and the Retail Sector Council. He also sits on the boards of Community Alcohol Partnerships, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and the London Food Board, and is a sector leader representative to the High Streets Task Force.
Angela joined ACS in May 2019. Angela is PA to our CEO James Lowman and as Office Manager she is also responsible for keeping our office running smoothly.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Audit Committee
Job Titles:
- Independent Chair
- Owner of the James Graven Group
Jonathan is the owner of the James Graven Group based in Cambridgeshire. The business owns and operates Budgens at Dersingham in Norfolk. Jonathan also owns James Convenience Retail Ltd which operates 110 stores across the Uk.
Jonathan was the founding Chairman of the Budgens National Retailer Council, is a former member of the NACS International Committee and was Chairman of ACS for three years. Jonathan is the current Chairman of the ACS Retailer Board.
Jordan joined ACS as Public Affairs Manager in October 2022 after having previously worked at for a public affairs and strategic communications agency, where he worked with a number of trade associations in the health and social care sector. Prior to this, he worked for a communications software company, providing research and analysis of policy developments to public sector bodies and not-for-profit companies. Jordan has a degree in Politics and International relations from the University of Nottingham. At ACS, Jordan leads on policy and public affairs activity relating to employment, business Rates and payments.
Julian Taylor-Green worked for 22 years with Nurdin and Peacock /Booker Cash & Carry. Latterly working in the Midlands and North West as a General Manager. Julian recolated to the South of England and bought a Post Office and C Store in Lindford.18 months into his new life style, he saw an opportunity to relocate his business with a competitor in the Village. He relocated and rebranded the site to a Londis format store. Existing site was demolished and developed into Flats.
He developed the business over the next several years with minor tweaks and adjustments, and then in 2009 undertook a full Londis Refit. Subsequently adding the vacant unit in 2010, and adding a Country Choice Bakery and FTG operation.
Job Titles:
- Supplier Relations Manager
Katie joined ACS in 2012, having grown her role to the current position of Supplier Relations Manager, reporting to the Head of Supplier Relations. Katie supports the commercial growth strategy of ACS through the recruitment and retention of supplier members, concentrating specifically on the Premier Club package. Responsible for enhancing the relationships with existing members, Katie develops an understanding of individual member's core needs, creating joint business plans and working towards implementing their KPIs. Katie also collaborates with the wider team and membership base to curate relevant content for ACS' online member platform to enable supplier teams' learning and development, as well as continually exploring new avenues for prospective members.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the ACS Board
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
- Finance Director at Motor Fuel Group
Maria is Finance Director at Motor Fuel Group, the UK's largest independent forecourt operator, for the last 4 years, during which she has transformed the finance function, ensuring operational needs are met and worked closely with the leadership teams on strategic matters to deliver strong commercial returns.
Previous to joining Motor Fuel Group, Maria achieved a proven track record in John Lewis, GSK and ITV, successfully delivering FP&A, business partnering, rigorous financial control and creative solutions. Passionate about building high performing teams and developing people Maria adopts an organised, logical approach and has transformational change and risk management experience.
Maria is the Audit Committee Chair of the Association of Convenience Stores.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Audit Committee
Job Titles:
- Head of Retailer Engagement
Job Titles:
- Head of Supplier Relations