Mr Smith (pictured on the left, with Kieran McDonnell) was elected by fellow newsagents at the NFRN’s 93rd Annual Conference in Birmingham last week. He was previously National Vice President.
A newsagent for 32 years, Mr Smith runs Smiths News in Western Road, Mickleover with his wife Sue. Before becoming a retailer he worked as a process engraver for the Derby Telegraph.
“I am delighted and honoured to be elected National President and am very enthusiastic about my new role,” Mr Smith said. “My motto for the coming year will be Every Member Matters and every member will matter, be they a member of long standing or a new recruit.”
His objectives include continuing the good work done by the former National President Kieran McDonnell, finding new ways to put more money in independent retailers’ tills and to push the government to tackle the growing problem of retail crime.
Mr Smith joined the NFRN in 1980, within a month of taking over his shop, and has held every position at branch and district level.
