Page 3

centenary publication

3 Changing times As the federation celebrates its centenary, I cannot help but wonder what that small group of traders who met in a Sheffield cafe in 1899 would make of it today. They could never have imagined that their small number would blossom into an organisation boasting some 26,000 members across the whole country. I am sure they would be proud men if they could see what has been achieved. In this publication we look back at some of the important steps in the history of the federation. But as well as looking back, we must look forward too — to the challenges and opportunities of a new millennium, of changing times in the retail world, of increasing competition from supermarkets and out of town shopping and to the chance to prove that the market industry has a crucial role to play in the life and economy of modern Britain. By working together and following the example set by our predecessors I am sure that the federation will continue to flourish through the coming years, working for the good of the industry and looking after the rights of the traders. I hope you enjoy reading this special centenary publication, and wish you luck for the future. October 1999 RUSSELL CRAWFORD A Century of Service


centenary publication
To see the actual publication please follow the link above