The independent retailer brother of Costcutter founder Colin Graves is leaving the group to join Nisa.

Dennis Graves, who runs a store in Riccall, Yorkshire, has been a Costcutter member for 21 years. His store was converted to the Nisa fascia this week.

Costcutter signalled its intent to end its 20-year Nisa membership in March this year when it agreed a new tie-up with Palmer & Harvey.

Explaining his decision to leave, Graves said he didn’t like the direction Costcutter was taking. “I think it’s a case of better the devil you,” he said. “I’m very happy with the package from Nisa and I think they are the best option for chilled and frozen.”

His brother Colin founded Costcutter in 1986. He sold a 49% stake to Bibby Line Group in 2007 and the remainder in November 2011. He left the business six months later after a boardroom bust-up.

Costcutter’s Nisa contract expires in July 2014.