Wholesalers reveal plans after big wins
THREE of Scotland’s leading wholesalers have told how their awards successes are spurring on their ambitions for further business development.
CJ Lang, United Wholesale (Scotland) and Lomond were all multiple award winners at the Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards 2023, held at the O2 Academy Edinburgh on 23 February.
CJ Lang and Spar Scotland chief executive Colin McLean said: “It was fantastic to have the industry recognise our aggressive transformation over the last five years.”
Future plans include continued rapid development of the company-owned store estate as well as ongoing recruitment of forward-thinking independent retailers.
The firm also intends to introduce a new supply chain system that McLean said would fundamentally change the way the business operated.
He also said the company was committed to its continuing support for the communities it is in across Scotland.
United Wholesale (Scotland) managing director Chris Gallacher said: “All our awards were in part down to embracing digital technology, creating better partnerships with suppliers and giving retailers a better shopping environment.”
The Scottish wins have been followed by picking up the environmental and sustainability gong at the Unitas awards ceremony last month.
The wholesaler introduced a sustainability plan three years ago that has resulted in using technology to drive efficiencies. And the firm works with suppliers and retailers to help them to operate more sustainably.
Gallacher said the cash & carry business would continue to invest in new technology, adding: “We’re always looking for efficiencies that also make us more sustainable.”
Lomond managing director Sam Henderson said winning the Achievers sustainability award was “the big one” for the firm and they were delighted to be named Great Place to Work.
He added: “We’ve had a very strong performance in the first quarter of the year and the business is growing rapidly.”
