Retailers Valerie Aston and Baz Aslam join Nisa's charity as partner trustees

Nisa has announced the appointment of two retailers as the partner trustees of its charity, Making a Difference Locally (MADL).

Valerie Aston, director of the Scarborough-based Proudfoot Group, and Baz Aslam, director of Fishpool News in Bury, were appointed following an application process in November.

The two new trustees, both Nisa partners, join the existing board of trustees which comprises members of Nisa’s senior team and two independent trustees.

Aston has worked at the Proudfoot supermarket group for more than 28 years, which operates four supermarkets, based in Newby, Eastfield, Seamer and Manham Hill.

The group is a major champion of the MADL, with its stores raising more than £110,000 in donations through the charity to date to support local causes.

"I look forward to having the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of the MADL charity, making a significant difference to a cause that matters to me," Aston said.

"What inspires me most about MADL is how it supports small and local charities that people in our communities and across the UK would be lost without. Knowing that something I will be part of is able to contribute, to help transform a community, is really heartening."

Baz Aslam runs Fishpool News which has been operated by his family since 2008, and joined Nisa just last year in a bid to give his store a new lease of life.

"I’d like to try to bring a different vision and drive to the charity as it has the ability to reach out to so many different areas of the community that need help, but have limited options in getting it," he said.

"I have seen for myself in a short space of time what MADL is capable of achieving. I wish to help the charity and the hardworking people involved to make it better and help out as many people as we can."

Nisa said the charity will be launching a new Retailer Forum this week to encourage retailers to share their thoughts and feedback on the charity and any further support they may need.

The first meeting will take place on Thursday (13 January) and will be held monthly via video call.