Five former members of the Nisa Members Association, which derailed Nisa-Today's attempts to merge with Costcutter in 2006, are to stand for election to the board as non-executive members.

Rowan Black and Krishan Joshi are seeking re-election at the buying group's agm, while Ian Hunt, Anjum Khan and Mark Proudfoot are putting themselves up for election again, despite losing decisively last year.

Both Hunt and Proudfoot, leading lights in the now-defunct NMA, have since sought to draw a line under events.

Both pledged to protect independents from being overshadowed by the interests of the symbol group if elected. "I can help bring greater profitability to members," said Hunt, MD of Filco Supermarkets. "We have moved away from the 2006 merger proposal and moved on."

Proudfoot, MD of the Proudfoot Group, said he also intended to help protect independent stores. "Nisa-Today's is the only true guardian of the independent retailer and wholesaler," he said.

"I have fought for a number of years to protect independent businesses - my integrity and experience would make me a value-adding board member."

Nine candidates will vie for four board positions at the agm in Scunthorpe on 26 November.

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