Judging panel announced for SWA Achievers
An independent group of judges have been named to select the winners for next year’s Scottish Wholesale Association Achievers awards.
The SWA’s marquee event returns in 2022 after an enforced two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and have targeted an independent judging panel.
And with a record number of entries – up by nearly a third since the last awards – there’s plenty for them to get stuck into.
The panel comprises Country Range Group Non-Executive Chairman Ton Christiaanse, University of Strathclyde Head of Department Marketing Anne Marie Doherty, Professor Leigh Sparks from University of Stirling, Zero Waste Scotland Campaigns Manager Ylva Haglund and Capita Employer Engagement Manager Alison Nimmo.
“Judging Achievers takes time and with wholesalers and our sponsoring suppliers under increased pressure due to Covid and also staffing and product shortages, our aim is to make the process more flexible and less onerous for all involved,” explained SWA Chief Executive Colin Smith.
“I’m delighted our group of experts is on board as their expertise and high standing in their own sectors enhances the credibility of Achievers and brings a fresh perspective to each awards category.
“Their involvement will allow us to provide greater feedback to entrants on benchmarking their performance and practices against their peers and also against other business sectors – one of the aims of Achievers to apply best practice from others, share information and be inspired to introduce or develop new ideas.”
The five judges will consult on each award, which is a break to previous Achievers awards when judges with a range of specialisms are assigned specific categories.
The winners will be revealed at the SWA Achievers gala dinner, which will be held at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh on 10 February 2022.
“The record entries signal a tremendous endorsement of the importance of Achievers and are testament to the strength of our sector during this period of unexpected and unprecedented change,” added Smith.
“Our supplier members have been equally supportive of the awards open to them, namely Supplier Sales Executive of the Year and our new award Supplier Outstanding Achievement Award that has replaced Best marketing Initiative for 2021.
“As well as shining a spotlight on the efforts of Scotland’s wholesalers we are determined to recognise the lengths that our suppliers and their employees have gone to in order to support businesses and communities throughout the pandemic.
“SWA is also extremely grateful to our sponsoring suppliers, including those supporting Achievers for the first time.”
Colin Smith Scottish Wholesale Association Achievers awards SWA SWA awards
