Kliro Capital Partners has announced the appointment of Ed Cottrell as chief executive of the newly launched Fortitude Spirits Group.
Cottrell took up the role effective from 16 December and will be working alongside the Fortitude Spirits Group chairman Warren Scott, leading the senior management team as they continue to scale the business with the ambition of becoming one of the leading independent UK spirits companies.
The investment group said Cottrell brings knowledge, experience and a network to the team from 28 years in the drinks industry. Starting his career as an Army officer, he then joined Diageo where he spent 14 years, including leading its prestige business, Justerini & Brooks.
He has held number of other roles including commercial director of Enterprise Inns (now Stonegate), managing director of William Grant & Sons’ Global Travel Retail business, based in Singapore, and most recently leading the category team at MMI in the UAE. He has also been non-executive chair of Saccone & Speed Ltd, Gibraltar, since 2022.
“I am delighted to welcome Ed to the Fortitude Spirits Group at an important point in our journey,” Warren Scott, chairman, Fortitude Spirits Group, said.
“Ed brings a unique combination of UK commercial insight together with premium brand international expertise. His roles at Diageo and Stonegate provided hands on experience in the highly competitive UK spirits industry across different categories and price points, both in the on and off-trade. His time at William Grant & Sons and more recently with MMI, have enabled him to be at the forefront of international premium brand development providing detailed insight into European, Middle East and Asian spirit markets.
“As we move into 2025, Fortitude Sprits Group under Ed’s leadership, will accelerate the building of its own premium brand portfolio together with a collection of exciting third party owned international brands. Ed will also lead the expansion of the international operations of the group through the appointment of appropriate country distributors in key overseas markets. This is an exciting time for Fortitude Spirits Group and Kliro Capital is looking forward to supporting Ed in pursuit of our ambitious goals.”
Cottrell said: “I am thrilled to be joining Fortitude Spirits Group. The management team is a good combination of new and established, the brand portfolio is exciting and well-positioned, and there are significant opportunities with our partners to grow at scale in both the UK and internationally. I am convinced we can build a highly respected UK based international spirits company in the coming years.”
Leading retailers have expressed relief and support for Labour’s proposed Crime and Policing Bill, which aims to combat the surge in shop theft and protect retail workers.
The legislation will introduce a standalone offence for abuse or violence towards retail staff and eliminate the £200 prosecution threshold for shoplifters—a long-standing demand from for businesses.
Interim figures from Usdaw’s latest annual survey of over 4,000 retail staff showed that seven in 10 respondents said that incidents of violence, threats and abuse they’d experienced were triggered by theft or armed robbery.
Similar picture is presented by British Retail Consortium’s latest annual crime report which shows that retail violence and abuse increased over 50 per cent to more than 2,000 incidents a day in 2024, losses from customer theft reached a record £2.2 billion in 2023-24 and record crime levels were reached despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on prevention.
Katie Secretan, Retail and Sales Director at Nisa, described the Bill as a “hard-fought victory for retail workers’ safety and respect.”
"It has been shocking to witness the rising levels of abuse, threats, and violence that independent retailers and their teams endure simply for doing their jobs.
"This legislation is a vital step in recognising the seriousness of these crimes and ensuring a stronger police response to protect those on the frontline," Secretan said.
However, Secretan stressed the need for fair and consistent enforcement across all retail sectors, warning that independent stores must not be overlooked.
“Too often, independent retailers struggle with a lack of police response and support, despite being at the heart of their communities. Thanks to tireless campaigning—led by our Co-op—progress is being made. But there is still more to do, from preventing reoffending to supporting shop workers in every way possible.”
Welcoming the Bill’s introduction to Parliament, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, emphasized the urgency of addressing retail crime.
“With our latest survey showing retail crime spiraling out of control, urgent action is needed to protect our retail colleagues from harm and tackle the surge in theft," she said.
Dickinson highlighted that making violence against retail staff a standalone offence will increase visibility, allowing police to allocate resources appropriately and deter offenders.
However, she warned that protection must extend beyond shop workers to include delivery drivers, who also face threats, physical violence, and even attacks with weapons.
“Retailers are now equipping their drivers with personal safety devices and DNA spit-testing kits. As the Bill progresses through Parliament, we hope these concerns will be addressed," Dickinson said.
Retail trade union Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis welcomed the Bill, calling it a long-overdue response to retail crime.
“Retail workers enforce age-restricted sales laws and deserve additional legal protection. We are pleased the Government has listened and is introducing these vital measures.”
Usdaw is particularly encouraged by provisions of abolishing of the £200 prosecution threshold, increase in funding for uniformed police patrols in shopping areas and introduction of ‘Respect Orders’ for offenders, designed to curb repeat offences.
Lillis stressed that retail crime is not a victimless act and it jeopardises store viability, community safety, and staff well-being.
“Retail crime has become an epidemic. Stores are being targeted by organised crime gangs, with weapons and violence used to intimidate staff. The impact extends beyond theft itself—employees face anxiety, fear, and even physical harm.
“The Crime and Policing Bill presents a real opportunity to improve retail workers’ lives, strengthen store security, and restore safety in communities," Lillis added.
Between rising employer National Insurance Contributions, higher wage costs, and incoming employment regulations, up to 160,000 part-time retail jobs in Britain are at risk of being lost over the next three years, a retailer body has warned, calling on the government to find ways of mitigating the costs and protect the jobs.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents most of the UK's biggest retailers, said that rising employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) and a 6.7% jump in the national minimum wage will add 5 billion pounds ($6.3 billion) to retailers’ labour costs in 2025 alone, increasing pressure on the industry to reduce staffing levels.
BRC stated today (26) that one in ten of these jobs could be at risk of being lost over the next three years as a result of the rising costs of employment, driven by measures announced at the last Budget.
Retail remains a vital source of employment right across the country; it is the largest private sector employer and the industry and its supply chains account for over a third of local jobs in 20 per cent of parliamentary constituencies.
There are currently over 1.5 million part-time jobs in retail, a little over half of all retail jobs. This includes students making extra money during their studies, parents working around childcare, and seasonal workers providing vital support during the peak trading periods.
Part-time roles are particularly susceptible to the changes in the employer NICs, the BRC said. Retailers will be taxed for any employee earning more than £5,000, down from the current threshold of 9,100 pounds, making it significantly more expensive to hire part-time workers.
These effects would be compounded by some of the proposed changes under the Employment Rights Bill, which could force firms to reduce the number of local, flexible jobs. This would have the biggest impact on part-time workers, including seasonal and student jobs.
Almost one fifth of retail colleagues are under the age of 25, making the industry a vital first step on the career ladder for hundreds of thousands of young people. However, with up to one in ten part-time jobs at risk, in addition to many entry-level roles, many young people could miss out on these opportunities.
This call to protect part-time jobs comes as the British Retail Consortium launches its 2025 Manifesto for Retail, which outlines a path for the retail industry to help kickstart investment in growth, people, and sustainability across the UK.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said, “Retail is a key source of employment right across the economy.
"The industry and its supply chains account for a third of jobs in one-fifth of UK constituencies and retail plays a vital role in upskilling the workforce and boosting productivity growth, currently spending £4 billion a year on training.
"Retail has long offered the first rung of the career ladder to hundreds of thousands of young people, playing a vital role in communities up and down the country.
"However, between rising employer National Insurance Contributions, higher NLW costs, and incoming employment regulations, the government may be kicking away the ladder for the next generation. One in ten part-time retail roles are now at risk of being lost.
“Retailers face a mountain of costs from the Budget and while they continue to absorb costs where they can, higher prices and job losses are inevitable.
"If the government can find ways of mitigating the £7bn of costs facing the industry this year, as well as ensuring a pragmatic approach to the Employment Rights Bill that focuses on tackling unscrupulous employers, protecting employees while supporting employment, then many jobs would be saved.”
Following a major redevelopment, a long-standing garage and forecourt in Chatham has been transformed into a thriving convenience store and fuel station. The site is now operating under the Nisa Express brand alongside Texaco fuel.
Managing Partner Mertkan Unsal embarked on the ambitious project in June 2022, aiming to modernise the business after lockdown.
Previously operating primarily as a garage for MOTs, repairs, and services, the retail offering was minimal, with only drinks and cigarettes available.
Recognising an opportunity, Mertkan decided to invest in a full redevelopment to enhance both the forecourt and store.
"We wanted to revitalise the site and create a modern, convenient shopping experience for the community,” said Mertkan Unsal.
“Working with Nisa has been a great decision—their support, guidance, and flexibility allowed us to develop a store that meets the needs of our customers.
"Despite limitations on space, we’ve been able to introduce a strong food-to-go range and a carefully curated selection of products tailored to local demand.”
The redevelopment process took time, with planning approvals causing delays, but an interim shop was opened in the existing space while construction plans progressed.
Once approved, the site was closed for around six months to complete the transformation. The store reopened in November 2024 as Nisa Express on Magpie Hall Road, working with an accredited shopfitter to ensure high standards were met.
The new store features a strong food-to-go proposition, including Costa Coffee, Rollover hot dogs, Country Choice bakery products, and an on-site bakery section. In addition, the store partners with a local sandwich and salad supplier to provide fresh, high-quality food.
With a school nearby, the range has been tailored to suit students and parents, while weekends see an influx of visitors due to local football and rugby matches, prompting a focus on protein drinks, snack bars, and healthy snacks.
Taranjit Singh Dhillon, Head of Retail at Nisa, commented: “It’s fantastic to see how Mertkan and his team have revitalised this site, creating a modern and convenient retail space that serves the local community so well.
"At Nisa, we pride ourselves on supporting independent retailers to achieve their vision, and this project is a great example of how collaboration can bring real success. The store’s tailored approach, strong food-to-go offering, and community engagement make it a standout Nisa Express location.”
Beyond retail, Mertkan has actively engaged with the local community, sponsoring the local football team and supporting their academy and youth initiatives.
The store also collaborates with a nearby school, donating to charity activities, and is exploring opportunities with Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity to further support local causes.
Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with footfall and sales increasing steadily since reopening. The site’s transformation has also enhanced the garage’s appeal, modernising the customer experience while maintaining its trusted reputation.
“With the extended opening hours and a more comprehensive retail offering, we’re attracting more customers every day,” added Mertkan. “We’ve created a convenient, easy-to-use store that meets the needs of the local community, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
The Nisa Express in Chatham is now open from 6 AM to 10 PM Monday to Saturday and 8 AM to 8 PM on Sundays, offering an accessible and convenient shopping experience for local residents and visitors alike.
Giving a cautiously welcome to Labour's Crime and Policing Bill laid in the Parliament today (25), a leading independent retailers association is calling on for more immediate action and concrete funding to address the retail crime crisis devastating high streets across Britain.
The new legislation contains over 50 measures, including stricter penalties for shoplifting of items under £200 and making it a specific offence to assault a shop worker.
The bill also introduces "Respect Orders," similar to the Anti-social Behaviour Orders that were in place until 2014.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting our independent retailers who have been suffering from escalating retail crime.
"The current legislation, which deprioritises theft under £200 as a summary-only offence, has left many small retailers vulnerable and frustrated.
"However, we are deeply concerned about the four-year timeline to recruit 13,000 additional officers. Where is the immediate funding and support for businesses suffering right now?"
The British Retail Consortium recently reported that violent and abusive incidents increased by more than 50% last year, with retailers reporting approximately 55,000 thefts daily, costing the industry £2.2 billion in 2024 alone.
In Bira's own most recent crime survey, conducted in September 2024, it found that 78.79 per cent of businesses that had experienced theft in the past 12 months reported that the frequency or severity of theft incidents had increased.
Goodacre added, "Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets. They cannot absorb these losses in the same way larger retailers can.
"Every theft impacts not just their bottom line but also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for both staff and customers. The government must accelerate this recruitment timeline and provide emergency funding for additional security measures, as independent retailers cannot wait four years for protection."
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, is calling for the government to provide immediate financial support for security measures, faster implementation of the new laws, and a concrete timeline for when retailers will see increased police presence in their communities.
While Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the bill aims to "take back our streets and town centres," Bira insists that without proper funding and accelerated timelines, these promises risk becoming empty words for struggling independent retailers.
Goodacre added, "Our members need more than legislation - they need boots on the ground and financial support for security now.
"We are particularly pleased to see the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers, acknowledging the unacceptable levels of violence our members' staff face daily.
"But the retail crime epidemic requires emergency action, not just long-term plans."
The new all good fascia has taken London’s high streets by storm, offering a refreshing, clutter-free, and modern take on convenience retailing. With sleek, thoughtfully curated designs, it’s not just another fascia but a bold statement in the retail world.
Following the success of its locations in Buckingham Gate, Moorgate, Holborn, Islington, and a brand-new store near Monument, four more stores are set to open soon, expanding the estate to nine stores.
As the new fascia heads for further growth this year, the focus is expected to remain on London’s West End, Midtown, City, and Shoreditch, strengthening its presence in high-footfall areas.
The look and feel of the brand is created and unveiled by SomeoneCreative Head of Design Davinder Jheeta.
Speaking with Asian Trader, Jheeta shares, “SomeoneCreative was appointed as lead designers for the group in 2023.
“As a customer centric studio, we appraised sales data and customer feedback from existing estate stores and designed a new brand and interior aesthetic for the London-based retailer.”
With a neat and sleek look, the fascia is quite eye-catching and has been creating quite a buzz on the London high streets, making shoppers stop in their tracks. It is a wholly independently owned chain.
Jheeta says, “They (store owners) all believe in convenience first. They understand the nature of their fast transient customer base. Therefore, they prioritise speed of service and availability.”
The merits for an entirely new independent fascia were “overwhelmingly favourable”, adds Jheeta.
The new all good fascia has been created to highlight the independent retailers and their work which often gets buried under wholesalers and symbol group influence.
“We felt that often, the good work of independents gets presented as the work of wholesalers or symbols. While some symbols support their retailers, I frequently meet retailers who feel they are just a volume play.
“The aim with all good is to allow independent retailers to invest in themselves,” Jheeta explains.
“Therefore, when a multisite retailer decides to invest in their estate, I suggest they invest in themselves too.
“I have previously created both groups, and independent fascias so I am well versed in the merits and shortcomings of both," Jheeta tells Asian Trader.
The response from the customers has been positive so far, filled with surprise. The curb appeal is such that is making shoppers stop and have a look.
“Shoppers are loving all good. It’s just where they need it to be exactly when they need it. It’s the tagline of all good.
“Shoppers particularly love the bright, clean and friendly spaces. The store’s aesthetic is really captivating customers from the busy streets of London.”
The new fascia is not only about new look, but also resonates with a fresh approach and thinking.
Some stores are 24 hours and provide additional services such as fast charging pods, suitcase storage and key drops and much more.
“They have recently begun retailing premium spirits with some of the more popular ranges retailing over £500. They custom gift wrap them for customers and deliver,” says Jheeta.
Just like its aesthetics, all good’s range is also unique and outstanding.
Apart from the basic essential line, all good fascia stores have special focus on snacking and soft drinks. Snack options are available from all corners of the world to cater for all the tourists.
The stores also have a great selection of beers, wines and some fine spirits.
Cigar stations, vapes and tobacco are another focal point of these stores. They have a core range of health and beauty too. The focus when ranging is to stock what customers want and need, with a few surprises.
The stores will also have a new dedicated coffee line, building on the success of the fine whiskeys.
The bulk of the supply is currently coming from Bestway along with some select London suppliers to support the ranges. They are continually reviewing the supply chain.
The chain of stores is currently advancing its technology in stores, with media screens and shelf edge labels. The stores are still looking for innovative suppliers who can help them highlight their brands in super high footfall locations.
Some of the larger stores incorporate another group owned brand TheGiftCo, which provides a plethora of souvenirs in store with tailoring options available in store.
“The idea is basically ‘memories for you, gifts for them’,” adds Jheeta.
With fresh aesthetic, premium product mix, and customer-first approach, all good seems to be ushering in a new age of modern independent convenience stores.