Castrol has signed a channel partner contract with Convenience Distribution Group aimed at improving delivery of products to forecourts nationwide. Convenience Distribution Group has 12 distribution centres around the UK, and Castrol said the deal would offer retailers benefits such as smaller minimum order quantities and faster delivery.

Palmer and Harvey has bought fellow distributor WH & HM Young Limited (Youngs), a member of Key Lekkerland. P&H said the deal would provide it with a distribution facility in Leeds which would be suitable for ambient and chilled ranges.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the British Retail Consortium have petitioned parliament about legislation which would ban London retailers from giving shopping bags to customers. They branded the bill "excessive" and said it would have no environmental impact.