Nigel Dowdney: delighted

Nigel Dowdney: delighted

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has appointed a well-known campaigner for independent retailers to its main board.

Nigel Dowdney has sat on both the ACS’s Government Relations and Campaigns Committee and the Independent Retailer Board, which nominated him to represent independent retailers on the main board.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said of Dowdney: “He has a broad understanding of all the issues that our members face. He sees the big picture, but he is also prepared to put time and energy into fighting for a just cause. We are delighted that he will be playing an even bigger role on our main board.”

Dowdney has two convenience stores in Norfolk and is well known in the area as chairman of Buy Local, which encourages shoppers to support local independent businesses.

He said: “I am a fervent believer in independent and small businesses and being on the board will allow me to put my weight behind the great work that ACS does for convenience retailers."

Dowdney replaces Mike Sherwood, who is stepping down after a long service with ACS. The move comes ahead of the ACS annual summit in Birmingham on Thursday.