Len McCormick is to retire from his role as deputy chairman of Batley's cash and carry at the end of

the month.

McCormick joined the company in 1985 as buying and operations director, and over the last 21 years has overseen the dramatic expansion of the Batley's group from six depots to

18, in addition to the seven delivered pet food depots. McCormick was MD at the time of Batley's acquisition by Bestway in January 2005, and was promoted to the post of deputy chairman shortly after.

Bestway cash and carry managing director Younus Sheikh said: "Len is a well-respected member of the industry and he has been a tower of strength in making the merger work between our two companies.

"He has done so much to help people, both in business and in his impressive work for charity. We all wish him an enjoyable and well-earned retirement." The company said that it would not be searching for a replacement.