Retailer Hetal Patel of Stop ‘n’ Shop in Maidenhead has taken on the reigns at the Fed.
Announced as the new national president, Hetal succeeds Blantyre-based retailer Mo Razzaq ,who held the position for the past 12 months.
Hetal has held numerous positions within the Fed at branch, district and national level and was voted in by delegates at the trade organisation’s annual conference in Birmingham on 18 June.
“I feel proud and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the federation for the next year,” said Hetal.
“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, Hetal vowed to provide Fed members with the highest level of support and service over the next 12 months.
“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.
Craig Etchells of C&W Ethchells in Chorlton-cum-hardy, Manchester, has become national deputy vice president.
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