The Newsagents' Federation has turned to suppliers to help fund a massive roll out of its Quix c-store scheme ­ after the initiative lost the support of wholesalers and symbol groups. More than 150 suppliers heard this week how the Federation wanted to turn Quix into the country's largest symbol group. The Federation, with a membership of more than 22,000 CTN retailers, plans to invest £2.5m over the next 12 months in the national roll out of Quix. The group will be operated by NFSL 2000, the Federation's commercial arm. Eight shops have been converted so far and are enjoying increased profits of 30%. The group plans to open four a week for the rest of the year. Rod Stevens, commercial manager, said: "The concept will take the form of a proven must stock' policy, backed up by regular promotions and trading initiatives. Partnership is the cornerstone of our approach." The NFSL 2000 team, chaired by the Federation's chief executive Roger Clarke, asked the suppliers for direct help in areas such as planograms, merchandising, products to stock, equipment, bake-offs and cash machines. The Quix team wants to link up with leading suppliers who will act as strategic partners for each category. John Irish, former Spar chairman and consultant to the venture, described it as "a revolution in thinking and approach, but an evolution on the ground". Two manufacturers have already pledged their support to the scheme, one a large drinks company, the other a confectionery supplier. An NFSL 2000 source said it would soon announce a link with a major bank for Quix retailers and other members. {{NEWS }}