The Association of Independent Stores (AIS) has expressed its sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair, Neville Moore, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the leading membership organisation for independent retail in the UK and Ireland. Neville Moore is Managing Director of Ulster Stores, which includes The White House Portrush, Moores of Coleraine and De Gruchy Jersey.
After a successful tenure, Neville has stepped down from his role as Chair of the AIS Board, which oversees the governance of the membership. His unwavering commitment and passion for the independent retail sector have been invaluable in supporting AIS.
Under Neville's leadership, AIS successfully hosted its first in-person conference since the pandemic, fostering a renewed sense of community and engagement among Members. His dedication to Member engagement was further exemplified by his recent coordination and hosting of the Northern Ireland Regional Meeting, providing a valuable platform for Members to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses.
Sue Kemp, Managing Director of AIS, commented: "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Neville for his unwavering support and his significant contributions to AIS. His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation's future. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
A New Era of Leadership
AIS is excited to announce the appointment of Darryl Simpson as its new Chair of the Board. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the independent retail sector, Darryl is well-positioned to support AIS. Darryl Simpson is currently Managing Director of Aldiss, a Norfolk-based retailer of furniture, homewares, bedding and flooring.
Darryl Simpson, incoming Chair of the AIS Board, said: "I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of AIS. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and to ensure that AIS continues to provide exceptional value and support to its Members. We will focus on future-proofing the organisation, leveraging technology, and strengthening relationships between members and suppliers."
As AIS moves forward, the organisation remains dedicated to empowering independent retailers and supporting their growth and success.
For all enquiries, please email marketing@aistores.co.uk
- AIS is UK and Ireland’s leading buying, services, and event group for Independent Retail across fashion, home, and leisure. With a member collective buying power of £1.5bn it has over 250 Members, with over 500 outlets.
- AIS ensures its members thrive with combined strengths, creativity, and expertise.
- AIS acts as a primary supplier-retailer paying agent, with access to a trusted global supplier network.
- AIS has expert teams providing unparalleled end-to-end member experience, with access to key support services to help independent retailers thrive and future-proof their business.
- AIS owns, curates and delivers the busiest trade-buying calendar of events, INDX Shows, in the sector including furniture, flooring, fashion, sports and leisure and toys, designed for independent retail.
