Cheema reflects on 10 years at helm of trade body
CHIEF executive Pete Cheema has marked 10 years of leading the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) by praising the team around him for transforming the organisation.
He said their dedication had led to many major successes, including the passing of the Protection of Workers Act in the Scottish Parliament in 2021.
The SGF campaign gained all-party support, resulting in the unprecedented legislation.
Cheema also highlighted the major achievements of the Healthy Living Programme, the Go Local initiative and the PGMA buying group.
He said: “The positive changes we’ve brought to convenience retail reflect the SGF team. They are the real force behind the success and the hard work has been done by my colleagues.”
The chief exec recalled having to save the SGF from liquidation in 2015 – restructuring the trade body to make it more efficient, viable and run as a business.
He said: “Crucially, we were able to make all SGF events free for retailers. When I started, we only had 70 people attend our annual conference. Nowadays, that’s 400-plus.
“We have redeveloped our events and created fresh income streams, so that we meet the needs of retailers and ensure our members get tangible benefits.”
Cheema also spoke about how the SGF had become more inclusive and diverse, with major firms on the board and a “can do” attitude at its core.
Identifying retail crime as a serious challenge, he called for extra resources to allow the courts to deal with a greater number of cases more quickly.
Looking back to the pandemic, the chief exec said: “Convenience retailers were the fourth emergency service – heroes who were on the front line and more exposed to Covid.
“But everyone seems to have forgotten what we did – from keeping food and drink manufacturers afloat to helping the elderly and vulnerable in our communities.
“Now, it seems to be quite acceptable for people to steal from stores and abuse staff.”
Cheema highlighted the huge burden and costs created by continuous legislation relating to the food and drink industry.
He said the issue united symbol groups, wholesalers and brands, adding: “Ministers should be nurturing the sector, rather than placing hindrances in its way.”
Looking to the SGF’s future, the chief exec concluded: “A lot of producers should recognise the contribution the convenience sector plays in their success and support retailers by joining trade organisations.”
