The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) is urging its members to get involved in shaping its future strategy, according to its chief executive Colin Smith.
Speaking at the SWA’s annual conference, he explained that by placing a renewed focus on training, lobbying and legislation, members can make the industry a more attractive place to work.
The SWA wants to work with our members to create a legacy that helps inspire the next generation of wholesalers and gets the message across that wholesale is not just about shifting boxes,” he said. “We are the wheels of the food and drink industry and keep it on the move.”
“But we’re more than that – our members are also the information providers, the advisers to the independent retailer, the pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants. Those customers look to their wholesalers for help, advice and for ideas on how to develop their businesses.”
Designed to bring the Scottish wholesale industry and stakeholders together to network and build stronger business relationships, the event at Hampden Park invited wholesalers and suppliers to share their own ideas for building a stronger trade association around three pillars: training, business building, and lobbying and legislation.
Smith also said that the creation of a new training academy would enhance skills within the wholesale sector, raise standards and promote wholesale as a viable career path. “Nurturing talent and providing the relevant training represents the biggest return on investment in our industry – we want to enable all wholesalers to train, retain and attract the people who are future leaders and the lifeblood of the sector.”
