ACS Elects Top Industry Figures as Chairman & Vice-Chairman
11 Oct 2007
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores), the campaigning voice of over 33,000 local shops, has elected Jerry Marwood as Chairman and Jonathan James as Vice Chairman.
Jerry Marwood is a well-known figure in the convenience industry holding the position of Managing Director of Spar UK. Jonathan James is an award winning independent retailer, who operates five stores in Cambridgeshire. The two will assume their positions with immediate effect.
Incoming Chairman Jerry Marwood said: “I am delighted to have been elected to this position. I relish the opportunity to work with Chief Executive James Lowman and the Board to build on the excellent work done by Mike Greene and other previous Chairmen of the Association.
“We have a great opportunity to drive forward ACS as a forceful, balanced and credible voice for local shops in Government and politics at all levels. It is our job to ensure that those national, local and European decision makers are convinced about the value that local shops bring to the economy, to employment and to the communities they serve.
“Through ACS we can make a loud and effective case for Government to support the local shop sector, whether it is in promoting fair competition in our market, or providing tough and credible enforcement against retail crime. We will also call on Government to take a balanced and sensible approach to the challenge of preventing underage purchasing, and reducing the burden of red tape that can stifle entrepreneurs working in communities.”
Vice Chairman Jonathan James said: “I am honoured to have been elected to this position. As well as being an effective voice for the independent, ACS can provide them with advice and support that is bespoke, comprehensive and invaluable. I will use my position to convince fellow independents of the importance of joining ACS.”
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “These are brilliant appointments and I look forward to working with Jerry, Jonathan and the rest of the ACS Board to deliver our shared vision for the future of the organisation. Jerry Marwood is a heavyweight of the convenience industry and will bring his undoubted passion for independent retailing to his Chairmanship.
“I would also like to thank Mike Greene for his outstanding contribution to the organisation during his time as Chairman.”
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Jerry Marwood – Jerry Marwood is Managing Director of SPAR, a position he has held since 2002. Prior to this he was Managing Director of Newshops Ltd where he initiated a programme which saw the segmenting of stores, the conversion of many CTNs into c-stores and the rebranding of stores under the Smile fascia. By the end of his term in charge the business was named the third fastest growing retail business in the Grocer Top 50. From 96 to 99 he was Retail Director of SPAR before becoming Deputy Managing Director of SPAR after 18 months.
3. Jonathan James - The son of a farmer, Jonathan James worked in banking, and produce trading before joining forces with his wife Rebecca to take over her family business in January 2000. At the time, the company employed just 12 people but over the last six years, it has grown and there are now 140 staff. The business comprises three BP petrol stations and 2 Budgens supermarket. Jonathan James has been responsible for steering the company forward and as a result it has won a clutch of awards including Forecourt Trader of the Year in 2003, and best new retailer at the Retail Industry Awards in 2003.
4. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected by the ACS Board for a two year term set by the Constitution.
5. Trade press will be invited to a press conference to meet with Jerry Marwood and Jonathan James in due course.
Jerry Marwood is a well-known figure in the convenience industry holding the position of Managing Director of Spar UK. Jonathan James is an award winning independent retailer, who operates five stores in Cambridgeshire. The two will assume their positions with immediate effect.
Incoming Chairman Jerry Marwood said: “I am delighted to have been elected to this position. I relish the opportunity to work with Chief Executive James Lowman and the Board to build on the excellent work done by Mike Greene and other previous Chairmen of the Association.
“We have a great opportunity to drive forward ACS as a forceful, balanced and credible voice for local shops in Government and politics at all levels. It is our job to ensure that those national, local and European decision makers are convinced about the value that local shops bring to the economy, to employment and to the communities they serve.
“Through ACS we can make a loud and effective case for Government to support the local shop sector, whether it is in promoting fair competition in our market, or providing tough and credible enforcement against retail crime. We will also call on Government to take a balanced and sensible approach to the challenge of preventing underage purchasing, and reducing the burden of red tape that can stifle entrepreneurs working in communities.”
Vice Chairman Jonathan James said: “I am honoured to have been elected to this position. As well as being an effective voice for the independent, ACS can provide them with advice and support that is bespoke, comprehensive and invaluable. I will use my position to convince fellow independents of the importance of joining ACS.”
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “These are brilliant appointments and I look forward to working with Jerry, Jonathan and the rest of the ACS Board to deliver our shared vision for the future of the organisation. Jerry Marwood is a heavyweight of the convenience industry and will bring his undoubted passion for independent retailing to his Chairmanship.
“I would also like to thank Mike Greene for his outstanding contribution to the organisation during his time as Chairman.”
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Jerry Marwood – Jerry Marwood is Managing Director of SPAR, a position he has held since 2002. Prior to this he was Managing Director of Newshops Ltd where he initiated a programme which saw the segmenting of stores, the conversion of many CTNs into c-stores and the rebranding of stores under the Smile fascia. By the end of his term in charge the business was named the third fastest growing retail business in the Grocer Top 50. From 96 to 99 he was Retail Director of SPAR before becoming Deputy Managing Director of SPAR after 18 months.
3. Jonathan James - The son of a farmer, Jonathan James worked in banking, and produce trading before joining forces with his wife Rebecca to take over her family business in January 2000. At the time, the company employed just 12 people but over the last six years, it has grown and there are now 140 staff. The business comprises three BP petrol stations and 2 Budgens supermarket. Jonathan James has been responsible for steering the company forward and as a result it has won a clutch of awards including Forecourt Trader of the Year in 2003, and best new retailer at the Retail Industry Awards in 2003.
4. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected by the ACS Board for a two year term set by the Constitution.
5. Trade press will be invited to a press conference to meet with Jerry Marwood and Jonathan James in due course.