MSYS Committee

PRAG DRIVES THE CAMPAIGN

A unique committee of suppliers, wholesalers and independent retailers forms the FWD PR Action Group (PRAG) which drives the My Shop Is Your Shop campaign. PRAG is chaired by Alan Toft.

Senior delegates from supportive manufacturers and wholesalers are joined by representative retailers, and delegates from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents and the Rural Shops Alliance, to review MSYS strategies and events - and to plan for future activities.

PRAG is advised on public relations issues by Alan Twigg, of 77PR. The marketing role is undertaken by IMA Group, the Manchester agency which is also responsible for the implementation of FWD The Take Home Blueprint, the educational scheme which advises independents on professional standards of the retailing of alcohol

Wholesaler representation includes Booker Cash & Carry, Bestway, Nisa Today's, Costco, Makro, Landmark Wholesale, Parfetts, Key Lekkerland, Londis and Budgens.

PRAG meets as and when required.

Alan Toft is the architect of the MSYS campaign. He was the launch editor of Independent Grocer magazine (now IRN) which he masterminded for eight years. Later he was director general of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors for 16 years until he took semi – retirement in May,05. Alan Toft was the publisher and editor of Pro Wholesaler magazine, the leading journal in the sector, which he launched in 1989. He is a former editor of the East Grinstead Courier, in Sussex, and a prolific contributor to national and regional tv and press.