Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

NISA marks International Women's Day by celebrating retail icon of independent convenience

Valerie Aston leading gender diversity in the retail sector

Valerie Aston, Director at Proudfoot Supermarkets and trustee of Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity

NISA

In celebration of International Women's Day, Nisa has put spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in convenience retail by bringing forth one of its leading retail veterans.

Valerie Aston, Director at Proudfoot Supermarkets and trustee of Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity, shares her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for a more inclusive future in the industry.


Valerie’s career in retail began in 1980, rooted in a strong working-class background where opportunities were limited, but ambition was boundless. She started as an office junior at Barnsley British Co-operative Society, working tirelessly while studying A-Levels in Law and Accounting.

Her determination and work ethic saw her quickly rise through the ranks, eventually overseeing Buying and Distribution at a 625,000 sq. ft. distribution centre supplying stores across the North of England and Wales.

In 1993, Valerie and her family relocated to Scarborough, where she joined Proudfoot Supermarkets, an independent family-run group committed to serving the local community. Since joining, she has played a crucial role in reshaping the business, consolidating operations, and modernising stores.

In 2015, she was appointed to the Board of Directors, a milestone moment both for her career and for gender representation in leadership. Under her guidance, Proudfoots has undergone a full refurbishment, creating vibrant stores that continue to grow and evolve.

The 2024 ACS Local shop report showed that despite women making up 65 per cent of the convenience sector workforce, they remain underrepresented in senior roles.

Valerie has experienced these challenges firsthand but has overcome them through confidence, industry knowledge, and resilience. She emphasises the importance of breaking through imposter syndrome and using her platform to advocate for all women in the sector. “

We need to ensure women are recognised, supported, and have equal opportunities to progress. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table but about being heard and valued,” says Valerie.

For women aspiring to succeed in retail, Valerie’s advice is clear: believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and build a strong support network. She also highlights the importance of mentorship, skills development, and company initiatives that promote diversity, flexible working, and leadership training

International Women’s Day is about celebrating achievements and driving change.

Valerie’s vision aligns with the words of feminist icon Gloria Steinem: “The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

More for you

Andrew Goodacre
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre

Bira: urgent support needed after 250,000 retail jobs lost in 5 years

The retail association has expressed deep concern over the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing that the UK retail sector has lost nearly a quarter of a million jobs over the past five years.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has highlighted the devastating impact these job losses are having on high streets nationwide.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nisa retailers donating for Sunshine and Smiles charity in Leeds

Charity donation event by West Yorkshire Nisa retailers supporting Down syndrome families

Nisa retailers raise £4,270 for Leeds Charity Sunshine and Smiles on World Down Syndrome Day

Nisa retailers have joined forces to raise an impressive £4,270 for Sunshine and Smiles, a Leeds-based charity that provides vital support for children and young people who have Down syndrome and their families.

Sunshine and Smiles was founded in 2011 as a small community support group and became an official charity in 2013. As the only dedicated Down syndrome support network in Leeds, they play a crucial role in the local community, offering essential resources and guidance to families in need.

Keep ReadingShow less
CPUK’s Bromborough factory in Merseyside, set to close in 2025, risking 300 jobs as Cheerios production shifts
iStock image

Major cereal maker to close factory as sales decline

The manufacturer of Nestlé Cereals, Cereal Partners UK (CPUK), has announced plans to close its Bromborough factory, putting approximately 300 jobs at risk.

Production at the site in Merseyside, which produces the Cheerios brand and own-label rice crispies and cornflakes for leading supermarkets, is set to move to another facility in Staverton, Wiltshire, as part of a £74 million investment plan.

Keep ReadingShow less
Justin King CBE presenting a National Lottery Good Causes award to Cardiff retailer Rashid Khalid at Broadway Post Office

Justin King CBE honors Rashid Khalid

Allwyn honours Cardiff retailer for supporting community with National Lottery tickets

Justin King CBE, Chair of National Lottery operator Allwyn, visited Cardiff retailer, Rashid Khalid – who owns Broadway Post Office – to present him with a plaque to celebrate his store and its National Lottery players raising more than £650,000 for Good Causes to date.

This funding has helped support people and organisations in his local community, across Wales and right around the UK.

Keep ReadingShow less
Convenience store in UK retail park showing growth in 2024 PwC report
Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images

Improving picture for retailers; convenience leads growth in store openings

Convenience stores emerged as largest growing category in terms of store opening last year, a recent report has stated, showing overall decline in chain outlet closures with 2024 having the second fewest closures in a decade, reflecting an improving picture for retailers.

According to Store Opening and Closing Data 2024 by PwC, a total of 12,804 shops and outlets belonging to multiples and chains (those with five or more outlets) exited UK high streets, shopping centres and retail parks in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less