The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has announced independent retailer, Graham Watson BEM, as president of the trade association’s National Executive board
Former submariner, Graham Watson BEM, took on Moniaive’s village shop, Watson’s Licenced Grocers, nearly two decades ago and is ready to make waves. Well known across the Scottish convenience retail sector, he is a Community Retailer of the Year recipient and a stalwart for his community in Dumfries & Galloway.
Regularly taking part in charity drives, Graham was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Graham said: “For many convenience retailers, running a local grocery store is in their blood. Not only do they provide essential local services for local people, but they are also at the very heart of the community they serve. Just like running a local shop, SGF is a team effort and I’m looking forward to working more closely with Pete Cheema, our excellent National Executive, and everyone here at SGF.”
Dr Pete Cheema OBE, SGF chief executive, added: “Graham is a wonderful example of everything our sector represents for communities across Scotland, and we could not ask for a better president going into the next two years. He lives and breathes convenience retail. The past few years has been a difficult time for many retailers, with more challenges on the horizon, and having Graham on board will be a huge boon for the trade.
The official ceremony and swearing in took place at the SGF Annual Conference . Replacing Graham in his previous role as SGF vice president is Andy Kenney, UK central operations director at BP Oil UK.
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