Howie takes on business development manager role
FAMILY wholesaler JW Filshill has appointed Matthew Howie as its new business development manager, taking over from Roy Williams who is set to retire from the firm.
Howie joins the Renfrewshire-based business from Morrisons where he headed up the Morrisons Daily franchise operation across Scotland. He brings with him a total of 25 years of experience to the new role in both the retail and wholesale sectors.
Speaking on the role, Howie said: “Being aware of Filshill’s reputation as a business that has a strong relationship with both retailers and suppliers as well as its focus on family values, then hearing about its exciting plans for the future, joining the company is a no-brainer for me.
“My values closely align with theirs and I’m looking forward to using my experience from working in retail and wholesale over many years to contribute to the growth and development of a business that is proudly Scottish based and independent yet is not parochial in outlook and is undeniably one of the UK’s leading wholesalers.”
Howie started his journey from the age of 16 working in a local Co-op store. He then worked his way up to manager, store manager and business development manager at Nisa/Co-op before he made the move to his role at Morrisons.
Along the way, Howie has garnered a deep insight for the convenience retail industry as well as the wholesale market throughout his career.
In addition to his roles across the convenience industry, Howie has also dedicated his time towards the industry charity GroceryAid as the current co-chair of the charity’s Scottish branch – and is also a volunteer with Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity.
Howie said: “It’s important to give something back and again I align with Filshill’s support for charity during its 150th anniversary last year and also through the KeyStore Community Fund which sees retailers give thousands of pounds to local groups and charities and helps cement their position in the heart of their neighbourhoods.”
His new appointment will also be a key component of Filshill’s 2031 Growth Strategy plans, accelerating the recruitment of new KeyStore customers and reinforcing the wholesaler’s ambition to be the first-choice symbol group for entrepreneurial retailers.
Craig Brown, chief sales and marketing officer at Filshill, said: “Matthew’s appointment is pivotal as we embark on the next phase in our evolution and we welcome the fresh ideas and industry contacts that he brings to the Filshill business.
“We are constantly developing how we incorporate technology solutions as we seek innovative solutions to boost efficiency and sustainability across the business – Matthew is tuned into these goals and aspirations, and we are delighted to have him on board for the next chapter of our journey.”
