Dumfriesshire independent retailer, Graham Watson BEM, is the new president of The Scottish Grocers Federation’s national executive board.
Well known across the Scottish convenience retail sector, the former submariner is a past Community Retailer of the Year recipient and a stalwart for his community in Moniaive where he has run the village shop, Watson’s Licenced Grocers, for nearly two decades.
Thrilled with the honour and a new challenge, 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.
“So, I’m delighted to be taking up my new role as president of SGF and I want to thank the board.
“Just like running a local shop, SGF is a team effort and I’m very much looking forward to working more closely with Pete Cheema, our excellent national chief executive, and everyone at SGF.”
Regularly organising and fundraising for worthy causes, including his more recent 5,000 push-ups to raise funds for MND research and awareness, Graham was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the community through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Pete Cheema OBE, SGF chief executive, said: “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.
“As well as being a stand up gentleman, a family man, a champion for his community, and recently a legal celebrant, Graham 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.”
SGF is the leading trade association for the Scottish convenience sector and represents 5,220 stores in the country, which includes all the major symbol groups and multiples. In total, convenience stores provide more 55,000 jobs in Scotland and across the UK, generating over £49.4bn in sales.
The official ceremony and swearing in took place at the SGF annual conference held in the Doubletree Hilton, Glasgow.