Sector conference focuses on opportunities

The annual FWD conference took place on 27 June, with a focus on the many, varied ways to unlock the wholesale sector’s opportunities for growth and success.

With presentations from Dentons Global Advisors, Lumina Intelligence, Cirkle, RSM, Choco, 3Keel and Corin & Co, delegates were brought up to speed on the challenges for the sector such as the current political landscape and the threat of cyber crime as well as the many opportunities. These opportunities included actions that could be embraced internally, such as exploring AI, improving sustainability actions and supporting staff wellbeing in the workplace.

Delegates were also shown how to best use social media with influencers to raise the profile of brands and products, as well as learning about the huge opportunity in food-to-go which is predicted to grow £2bn in sales by 2027.

Wholesalers also took to the stage for a panel session, including Tom Gittins, CEO, Confex and Cheryl Hope, trading director, Unitas Wholesale. They were joined by Morrisons’ Kaoutar Touihri, director bulk and international markets, and Nisa’s director of wholesale, Ayaz Alam. They discussed topics such as the need to return to the ‘brilliant basics’, providing the best tools for retailers, and the need for suppliers to understand the importance of relationships within the wholesale channel.

Cheryl and Tom also discussed the threat of suppliers moving away from regional wholesalers, and how both buying groups had already established ways to support wholesale members with access and distribution.

The conference will be summarised in the next issue of Wholesale News, so keep an eye out for your issue in July.

3Keel AI Choco Cirkle Corin & Co cyber crime Dentons Global Advisors FWD conference Lumina Intelligence RSM sustainability