Highlighting the diverse nature of the convenience sector in Scotland
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is set to host its first Diversity & Inclusion event in April to reflect the versatile lived experiences of the Scottish convenience sector.
The SGF has said the aim of the event will be to provide insights and create awareness, coupled with some practical advice, tools and take aways for independent retailers to help them embrace a diverse and inclusive culture in their organisations and start to implement some impactful change.
The event is free to attend for all independent retailers with talks from headline sponsor Booker Wholesale planned, with further input from additional sponsors Mondelēz International and Heineken.
Colm Johnston, managing director at Booker Group – Retail, who will be sharing his own experiences working around colleague networks, said: “It’s great news that the SGF is shining a light on diversity and starting to help independent retailers understand how they can build a more inclusive culture, for both their colleagues and customers alike.
“Everyone being more mindful can only bring positive change. Independent retailers are already at the heart of the communities they serve and helping them and their teams be at their best is really important to everyone at Booker.”
Attendees will also be able to hear from fellow retailers in the field including Natalie Lightfoot of Londis Solo Convenience Baillieston, Nathalie Fullerton of One Stop Dumbarton Road and Natalie Kaur of One Stop Partick Convenience Store.
Natalie Lightfoot will also be highlighting the new Retailers4Retailers initiative, a support group put together by retailers across the breadth of the UK with an aim of ensuring no retailer feels alone in the field.
Alisdair Hamilton, field sales & sales support director at Mondelēz International, said: “When we heard what the Retailers4Retailers group were trying to achieve, we wanted to straight away give them this opportunity to get their name out using this new SGF platform. We at Mondelēz are excited to discover where this initiative can take us all.”
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, said: “The SGF believes that a truly diverse and inclusive workplace stems from individual knowledge and awareness and we are confident that this event will improve understanding and allow retailers to implement best practice towards a more inclusive workplace environment.
“I am very thankful to Booker Wholesale, who is support as Headline Partner, with additional sponsorship from Mondelēz and Heineken.
“The conference has been created to provide insights, awareness and learnings, coupled with practical advice, tools and take aways for independent retailers to help them embrace a diverse and inclusive culture in their organisations and start to implement impactful change.
“The real, tangible benefits to businesses that embrace a truly diverse and inclusive culture for their colleagues and customers will also be shared.”
