Margaret Adams, the Federation of Independent Retailers’ first-ever female National President has died.
Maragaret and her husband David owned a store in Largs, North Ayrshire for many years and joined what was then the NFRN in 1989. Margaret became a stalwart of the Federation in the Scotland district and nationally, becoming National President in 2000/01.
Current National President Mo Razzaq, who is also a former District President for Scotland, said: “Margaret Adams was a pioneer for women in convenience – not just hardworking, but her dedication was unparalleled. The Scottish district will remember her as a local legend who helped put the Fed on the business map.
“On a personal level, Margaret has been an inspiration for me, who was both helpful in her advice and also with her knowledge of the Federation.”
Longstanding Fed member Peter Wagg, who owns stores in London, recalled first meeting Margaret and David Adams 30 years ago as fellow members of the NFRN national council.
He said: “It was obvious that Margaret was destined to become the first female NFRN National President: highly respected, a commanding no-nonsense presence, and she could definitely hold her own in meetings, where she was often the only female councillor present.
“When she was National Vice-President in 1999, Margaret asked me to join her and the then President Alan Dryden to become the founding directors of the NFRN Mutual Ltd, now The Retail Mutual.”
A fiercely proud Scot, just a few days before her passing Margaret was posting pictures of her local Oban Pipe Band, which had just retained its World Championship title.
The Fed said its thoughts and sincere condolences were with Margaret’s husband David, son Scott and daughter-in-law Kelly.
