- Patel now represents 9,000 retailers in UK and Ireland
- Member of Fed for 21 Years now heads fight for retail newsagents
- Vows to provide 'highest level of support and service' over next year
Hetal Patel, who owns Stop ‘n’ Shop, in Shifford Crescent, Maidenhead, is the new National President of the Fed, a retail trade organisation representing 9,000 retailers in the UK and Ireland.
Mr Patel, who has held numerous positions within the Fed at branch, district and national level, was voted in by delegates at the trade organisation’s annual conference in Birmingham on June 18.
He said: “I feel proud and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the federation for the next year.
“As an independent retailer with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, and a member of the federation for 21 years, it has been a long journey to reach this all-important milestone in both my life and my career.
“I must offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way.”
During his acceptance speech, Mr Patel vowed to provide Fed members with the highest level of support and service over the next 12 months, adding: “We may have different backgrounds and shops, but the challenges we face - and the expectations we hold - are similar.
“We want stable businesses to provide for ourselves and our loved ones; we want to be safe from harm when we go to work; and we want to be treated by our industry colleagues and our customers with respect and dignity.”
Hemanshu Patel, owner of Saltwood General Stores, in Hythe, Kent, was appointed national vice president, and Craig Etchells, of C&W Ethchells, in Chorlton-cum-hardy, Manchester, becomes national deputy vice president.
