CHANGE looks to be the major theme for the Scottish Wholesale Association’s 2019 annual conference this summer, with new faces at the top across the board.
Speakers at this year’s event include Bestway managing director Dawood Pervez, who succeeded Martin Race at the top of the wholesaler last year; and Colin McLean, who took up the post of CJ Lang chief executive in 2018.
This year’s conference will also be the first to take place with new SWA chief executive Colin Smith at the helm of the association.
Commenting on the conference, Smith said: “It’s all about ringing the changes and ensuring that our annual conference remains relevant to members and suppliers – their time is at a premium so we must provide a platform for networking and create an environment that is conducive to encouraging discussion and sharing information.
“Three areas of focus for this year’s conference are: technology (incorporating training); Scotland’s future growth opportunities; and food trends.”
Smith added that Friday sessions at this year’s conference will predominantly target buyers, as the SWA “look to the opportunities of growing the wholesale sector in collaboration with Scotland’s local producers and suppliers.”
“Our new SWA conference initiative – Keeping Scotland Local – is a collaborative approach tying in with Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Tourism Strategy, and will feature a Scottish Producers’ Exhibition.”
• Scottish Wholesale Association’s 2019 annual conference will take place at Crieff Hydro over 31 May-2 June.
