
About retra
retra is the UK’s leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations.We also represent our member’s views and interests at a national level, maintaining dialogue with manufacturers, Government and other key organisations in supporting our member’s needs.
Formed in 1942, for the benefit of Independent Electrical Retailers, we represent more than 1,100 members, operating from over 1,600 outlets in the UK today. Our members include domestic electrical retailers, service engineers, custom installers, computer stores and electronic music shops.We provide our members with a range of benefits, industry information and business advice.
Originally known as the Radio & Television Retailers Association(RTRA), the Retracame into being following the merger of The Register of Radio and Television Retailers Ltd,the Wireless Retailers Association, the National Association of Radio Retailers and the Music & Radio Distributors Association with an agreed goal to represent the interests of retailers.
These enthusiastic dealers formed to create the first RTRA Council under the Chairmanship of Mr J.H.S Smith, convinced that the agreement to have one national body would safeguard the future of radio retailers. Today Retra is still supported by a Council which continues to be made up of representatives of the Radio, Electrical and Television Retail industry.
Meet the Team

Howard Saycell
Chief Executive Officer
Howard joined retra in 2012 having spent over 30 years with major brands in the electronics industry.
Initially working as Development Director, he was made Deputy CEO in 2013 and took over as CEO in 2015.
Following the retirement of Bryan Lovewell. He is also CEO of retracare , the associations warranty business.

Matt Sheldrake
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Matt Sheldrake was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Retra/Retracare on 1st June 2015.
Matt joined Retracare in April 2013 as Commercial Director
Matt previously spent 13 years in Banking Financial Services, holding various senior positions including Regional Director, Area Manager, Senior Bank Manager and qualified Financial Planning advisor.

Ian MacDonald
Business Consultant
Ian joined retra in 2005, having worked in retail finance for 25 years.
Ian in his capacity of Business Consultant, will be your first point of contact, and will liaise with retra Head Office on your behalf. Ian also provides in-store “Finance and Warranty” training sessions for members staff.

Mark Veysey
Business Consultant
Mark joined retra in December 2011 following 20 years working in the building products industry.
Mark works as a Business Consultant and acts as a first point of contact for Members and liaison with Head Office. Mark also provides in-store “Finance and Warranty” training sessions for members staff.
Vision & Values
retra is the reliable and respected voice of electrical retailing. We enable our members to provide the best quality service to their customers by providing top rate industry services and representing our members’ interests.
To represent the interests of and provide a voice to independent electrical retailers.
- Influential
- Collaborative
- Loyalty
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Leadership
- Dynamism
- Innovation
- Professional Ethics
retra Board

Representatives
Robert HughesChairman
Graham ToddChairman Elect
David ParkinsonLarge Retailer/Multiple
Paul MeadSmall Retailer/single
Kevin HerringRental
Graham RussellSmart Home
Andrew O’GormanInternet
Ross PalmerCo-opted
Gallery of Presidents
Council Presidents
2015J. Hutchinson
2013 – 2014S. Barrett
2011 – 2012A. O’Gorman
2010S.A Norman
2009S.R Barrett
2008R.J Hughes
2007P.D Mann
2006J. Hutchinson
2005G.M Todd
2004S. Craggs
2003A. O’Gorman
2002S.G Smith
2001M. Marshall
2000H. Vidler
1999J. Hutchinson
1998J. Clough
1997B. McPherson
1996C. Keeble
1995D. Milner
1994D. Williams
1993J. Townhill / D.Williams
1992F. Smith
1991R. Farmer
1990D.J O’Gorman
1989L.J Tyler
1988G.D Fortune
1987P.G Fletcher / G.D Fortune
1986M.R Peters
1984 – 1985J.B Pattison
1983G.I Knight
1982G.F Benfield
1981M.R Peters
1980J.F Hickling
1978J.P Jacques
1977G.C Plowright
1976C.H Seymour
1975H.W Page
1974R. Thompson
1973R.F Axon
1972R. Price
1971R.H Williams
1970A.J Jackson
1969E. Fairbrass
1968B. Profitt
1967B. Braithwaite
1966S. Hetherington
1965H.T Horner
1964K. Turner
1963A.R Mitchell
1962A.C Butterfield
1961R.J Piercy
1960S.R Burbridge
1959R.C.H Walton
1958D.C Lazenby
1956 – 1957F.C Woodward
1955W.R Stone
1954T.R Priest
1953C. Lister
1952W.E Potter
1951T.R Lascells
1950F.J Smith
1949G. Michelson
1948C.R Sponge
1947C. Stephenson
1946R.R Day
1945L. Hall
1944H. Nightingale
1943R.C Gilbert
1942J.H Smith
Moments in Time
Timeline
- 2018
- Dec 31
Present
Jan 18We launched our new website
- 2017
Dec 31John Hutchinson was retra’s last President. Robert Hughes took over as the first Chairman.
- 2015
Jan 01Howard Saycell was appointed CEO and Matt Sheldrake Deputy CEO
- 2014
Nov 23Retracare officially launched – Replacing Retra Insurance Services Ltd
- 2013
Nov 23Retra Insurance Services Ltd relocated from Ferndown to Bedford
- 2008
Jan 01Bryan Lovewell appointed as retra Chief Executive
- 2006
Jan 01Mark Hayward appointed as retra Chief Executive
- 1991
Jan 01Fred Round appointed as retra Chief Executive
- 1990
Jan 02Ian Andrews appointed as retra Chief Executive