RSA Activities

What does the RSA do?

Lobbying
At national level the RSA lobbies the government and other organisations on issues affecting all its retail members. It is also able to represent a single shop on a particular issue.

Most of the RSA’s lobbying activity is targeted at trying to influence government policy, particularly highlighting areas of potential forthcoming legislation where ‘unintended consequences’ may impact on its members. This refer to those areas of legislation which should not, and were never intended to, impact on village shops, but which, without intervention, would add to the 26 hours per month on average that small businesses dedicate to administration time alone.

Communication
In addition to endeavouring to influence potential legislation, the RSA is committed to informing its retail members of the facts about (and implications of) existing legislation. The website and “Village Retailer” magazine (available free to all rural retailers in participating counties) are the main mediums of communication.

The RSA also works closely with the trade press, and particularly the Independent Retail News (IRN) to disseminate any relevant information affecting its members.

Sharing Ideas and Best Practice
Again, using the website and “Village Retailer”, as well as via training courses, meetings, exhibitions and other mediums, the RSA will always use an opportunity to identify a ‘success story’ or highlight examples of good practice. Success stories can both inform and inspire, and the RSA’s ability to share best practice tips can only benefit the industry as a whole.

Practical Projects
The reason that the RSA is a trade association ‘with a difference’ is that many of its activities revolve around working out in the field – with real people, in real shops – not simply talking about the subject areas. The practical work is of course important in its own right, but also adds significantly to the RSA’s credibility, because when the organisation is asked to comment on an issue, it is based on knowledge rather than speculation.

Training
The RSA is able to provide a one-day Business Development Course for owners and staff of village shops, also available to those simply considering purchasing such a business. This course, generally run in partnership with the local Associate Member (e.g. County Council, Rural Community Council, etc.) covers such areas as merchandising, marketing, shop standards, store layout, food safety and health & safety