On February 24 hundreds of independent newsagents and convenience store owners, along with their families and friends, will be gathering for one of the highlights in their social calendars as National Federation of Retail Newsagents will be organising their annual dinner and dance at the Tower Hotel in St Katherine's way, London. This year’s event is extra special as NFRN is currently celebrating its centenary.
A special toast will be raised to cheer for NFRN as an organisation, which has grown today from humble beginning to becoming the premier association for 15,000 independent retailers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Despite this major milestone, the NFRN remains as relevant today as it was in 1919 and it exists to protect and further the interests of independent retailers. Although several local groups of newsagents had existed previously and the roots of the Federation go back to 1893 and it was in Leicester on 9th and 10th July 1919 that the National Federation of Retail Newsagents Booksellers and Stationers was started, with its rules and a constitution drawn up, which divided the country into a number of district councils and branches covering local areas.
At this meeting, a national programme of 14 points were discussed. Thirteen of the points were adopted, including the defence of members or branches in case of dispute, price of newspapers not to be more than half a penny, a minimum profit of 33.3% on all publications and the gradual elimination of street trading, beginning first with the abolition of all child street trading under 17 years of age.
Mr F A Ratcliffe from West London was elected as the National President, with Mr W Sidwell from Leicester as Vice President, Mr Alexander MacLaren of Glasgow, was appointed as General Secretary and Mr J Pheasey from Leeds as Honorary Treasurer.
At long last, retail newsagents had a national movement to protect their interests and as time has proved it has been immensely successful with many achievements under its belt.
The first National Council Meeting took place in the London District Council offices on July 17, 1919 and late in October that year the first Head Office was established at 89 Farringdon Street, London, EC4.
NFRN now
Mr Nilesh Patel serves as one of three National Trustees, as President of the London district and President of the London Barking and Havering branch.
So what does the NFRN do for its members and why should independent retailers belong to this organisation?
Mr Patel, the owner of Nils Convenience Store in Hainault, explained, “For a small businessman or women, today’s trading environment is highly competitive and challenging but by being an NFRN member you never feel alone. Membership provides a wealth of practical help and assistance, commercial support, training, deals and buying opportunities so that we can develop our businesses, compete against the multiples and discount stores and remain as the beating hearts of our communities for many years to come.
“One unique feature of the NFRN is its army of retail development managers who are out visiting shops on a daily basis to offer professional support and help on a wide range of business matters. Backing this up is a helpline and legal helpline, plus a catalogue of training modules, fact sheets and checklists to ensure that members comply with all the latest legislation and achieve business growth.
“There are so many issues facing retailers – from increasing instances of retail crime to soaring business rates and onerous red tape – that the NFRN also exists to provide a strong voice - at government and parliamentary level and within our industry - to make sure that members’ concerns are not only heard but, more importantly, acted upon.
“In short, the NFRN is the voice of the independent retailer, whether they run newsagents, convenience stores, sweet shops, petrol forecourts, florists, post offices, coffee shops, off licences or card shops.”
Mr Patel continued, “As London President I am proud and honoured to be hosting the district’s annual dinner dance on February 24 and it promises to be a great evening where members can enjoy some great food and entertainment, catch up with friends, colleagues and trade partners and raise a glass to toast the centenary of the NFRN.”
The London dinner dance is taking place on February 24, at The Tower Hotel in St Katherine’s Way, London, from 6pm to midnight. Tickets cost £40 for a four-course meal, soft drinks, free bar and a full programme of entertainment.
If you would like to attend please contact organiser Nigel Smith by emailing: [email protected].
For more information about the NFRN visit www.nfrnonline.com
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NFRN Motto
Wherever one man can help another, thank God for such a birthright, brother-J Russell Lowell
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