High-profile Costcutter retailer Paul Cheema joins Nisa

High-profile Costcutter retailer Paul Cheema has left the symbol group for Nisa.

The Grocer revealed in August that Cheema, owner of Malcolm’s Store in Coventry and chairman of the Costcutter Retailer Forum, was considering his future with the group following the delivery and availability problems experienced by Costcutter retailers since it switched distribution from Nisa to P&H in July.

Costcutter confirmed Cheema and his family had left.

“We always regret losing any member, especially one who has been with us for so long and I would like to thank the Cheema family for their support over the years,” said Costcutter retail director Daniel Quest.

“Given the significant progress that we have made following migration the timing of this decision is disappointing. The response from our membership regards the changes we have made to the new system has been largely positive despite the initial operational challenges in moving to the new model.

“The family, and particularly Paul and Pinda as members of our retailer forum, have been consulted throughout the process and have supported the changes and the progress that has been made. They have always been strong advocates of the new business model and the benefits it brings.

“The enormous benefits that our new business model offers to independent retailers is borne out by the continued excellent recruitment figures. Since January we have recruited far more retailers into the group than have left and we now have more members than ever before, further strengthening our volume and market position,” he added.

Nisa said it was “delighted” by the move.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul, Pinda and his family as members of Nisa and very much look forward to working closely with them over the coming years,” said Nisa CEO Neil Turton.

”As such well-respected retailers we value our relationship with the whole Cheema family and are pleased they have trusted us to assist them in taking their business to the next level.”

He added that Nisa had welcomed 577 new stores to the group in the past 12 months, worth £250m in additional revenue.

Meanwhile, Costcutter also revealed it had created a new National Retailer Board to “further improve the way it consults and communicates with its entire membership, and drive positive changes for its retailers.”

The board replaces the forum chaired by Cheema and will see 12 regional representatives elected by members in their area.

“We have created the new National Retailer Board to give members greater input and enhance communication with all members to ensure we continue to meet their needs,” Quest added.

“Many of the existing forum members will remain on the board with new members selected through regional elections.”