About Our Directors

Hetal Patel is an experienced business owner, community leader and governance professional, bringing over 25 years of entrepreneurial, financial and leadership experience. He has a proven track record of strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement and supporting organisations to deliver sustainable growth and positive community impact.

Hetal began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 14 in India, before moving to Portugal at 18 to work as a chef. In 1998, he relocated to the United Kingdom and entered the retail sector, becoming self-employed and establishing a successful career as an independent retailer. He has owned and operated businesses across South Wales and Maidenhead, where he continues to run a family retail business, demonstrating resilience, financial acumen and strong operational management.

A committed member of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN), Hetal has held a wide range of leadership and governance roles over two decades. He served as President of the former Windsor and Maidenhead Branch (now Bucks and Berks) on three occasions and as a Branch Trustee, gaining direct experience in governance, compliance and member representation.

Progressed through senior leadership roles including London District Councillor (2015), London District Executive (2016) and London District President (2018). At a national level, he has served as a National Councillor, a member of the National Finance Committee, and a member of the National Executive Council (2021–2023), where he contributed to financial oversight, strategic planning and organisational governance. He was elected National Deputy Vice President in 2023, National Vice President in 2024, and National President in 2025, demonstrating trusted leadership at the highest level of the organisation.

In addition to his professional achievements, Hetal is a Trustee of the Anand Overseas Brotherhood UK, where he supports charitable activities, community cohesion and outreach initiatives. Through this role, he has developed a strong understanding of trustee responsibilities, including safeguarding, accountability, and ensuring funds are used effectively to deliver impact.

Hetal is passionate about community service and is committed to using his skills to support charitable organisations in delivering meaningful outcomes. He brings a collaborative approach, sound judgement and a clear understanding of governance responsibilities, making him well-suited to a Trustee role.

Outside of his professional and voluntary commitments, Hetal enjoys playing cricket and golf and values spending time with his family.

A dedicated and community-focused individual from a Gujarati Indian background, actively involved in supporting vulnerable people and providing guidance to those in need from last 15 years, Known for compassion, reliability, and a strong commitment to social service and community wellbeing.

Raised in a Gujarati Indian family with strong cultural values of helping others and community support. Experienced in working with diverse communities across London, with a focus on assisting individuals facing hardship and navigating essential services.

Charity & Volunteer Work

• Volunteering weekly in Central London, helping distribute free food to homeless individuals and those in need.
• Actively supporting community outreach initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity
• Providing free advice once a week from home in Ilford on:
  o UK immigration guidance
  o Indian passport services
  o Visa-related queries
• Assisting individuals in understanding processes and accessing the right
  support services

Skills
 Strong communication and interpersonal skills
 Community support and outreach
 Basic immigration and documentation guidance
 Problem-solving and empathy
 Multicultural understanding

Interests

 Community service and charity work
 Supporting disadvantaged individuals
 Cultural and social engagement

To continue serving the community by offering support, guidance, and practical help to those in need, while making a positive and lasting impact in society.