New president of electrical retailers’ association Retra is Steve Norman (pictured), commercial director of rental company Boxclever.


He succeeds Shaun Barrett, a director of Canterbury-based retailer Barrett’s Digital World.


Andrew O’Gorman, a director of Oxfordshire-based retailer O’Gormans, is Retra’s president-elect and will take over from Mr Norman next October.


Said Mr Norman: “I would like to thank Shaun for all his hard work over the past year.


“I am looking forward to the challenge and feel very proud to have been asked to perform the role.


“My presidential objectives are simple – I want to work effectively alongside chief executive Bryan Lovewell, and the team, to maintain and build on Retra’s profile in the industry.”


He continued: “I am also looking forward to meeting as many of the members as possible, through the regional meetings and industry events, and receiving direct feedback on the key issues impacting our membership.”


Mr Norman also went on to say that Retra’s annual conference will feature highly on his agenda. Next year’s conference is being held on April 11-12 at the Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London.


He has chosen Great Ormond Street as his chosen charity for this presidential year.


“My son spent 18 months or so, on two separate occasions, in the hospital with a rare life-threatening condition, which our local hospitals were unable to treat.

“Great Ormond Street will, therefore, always have a special place in my heart; and with our support in my presidential year, we can give hope to other children and continue to make Great Ormond Street the special place it is.”

 

Retra has donated £2,640 to The Cure Parkinson's Trust, the charity chosen by outgoing president Shaun Barrett.

 

"Retra has welcomed the opportunity to help such a deserving charity, and it is a wonderful way for us to mark our appreciation of all the hard work that Shaun has done this year," said Retra chief executive Bryan Lovewell.

 

"We hope this donation will help to make a difference."