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Director appointed to national charity retail body

12 July 2017
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A director of a West Midlands hospice has been appointed to the national Charity Retail Association (CRA) board, as the champion for charities with a small chain of shops.

Susan Newcombe, Director of Income and Generation Marketing at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, won a ballot for the directorship and will represent charities with 20 shops or less.

As the only body in the UK to represent the interests of charity retailers, Susan’s expertise will help deliver its ‘Shop For The Future’ strategic plan, which aims to develop best practice in the industry.

Following a successful career at Tenovus Cancer Care and CLIC Sargent, Susan has worked at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice for over a year and oversees all retail, marketing and fundraising activities. The charity – which provides vital care and support to individuals and families living with terminal illness in Birmingham and Sandwell – currently operates 16 shops within the West Midlands area.

Susan Newcombe, director of income and generation marketing at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Charity shops are an essential element of our organisations and high streets – not only are they an invaluable source of income but they also act as the heart of the community. They help bring together local people and for some, this may be their only source of health information.

“It’s a real honour to be voted to CRA’s board and I look forward to engaging and representing charities with fewer than 20 stores. Together, we can drive innovation to really help promote the benefits of retail to charities and their communities.” 

Robin Osterley, CEO of CRA, added: “We are delighted that Susan has been elected to our board of directors, representing charities with fewer than 20 shops. She brings with her a wealth of experience in charity retail and we are really looking forward to her input and enthusiasm.”