JW Filshill appoints Matthew Howie as business development manager

JW Filshill has appointed Matthew Howie as business development manager.

He replaces Roy Williams, who will retire at the end of March after nine years with the Filshill business.

Howie (pictured) joins Filshill from Morrisons where he headed up the Morrisons Daily franchise operation across Scotland.

In total, he has nearly 25 years’ experience in both the retail and wholesale sectors. He started his career at the Co-op at the age of 16, beginning in the fruit & veg department and working his way up to manager, store manager, and business development manager at Nisa/Co-op before moving to the role at Morrisons Daily.

His appointment is a key component of Renfrewshire-based Filshill’s 2031 Growth Strategy, accelerating the recruitment of new KeyStore customers and reinforcing the wholesaler’s ambition to be the first-choice symbol group for tech-savvy, entrepreneurial retailers who value great service and community support.

Craig Brown, Filshill’s chief sales & marketing officer, 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.”

Howie said: “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 is co-chair of the Scottish branch of GroceryAid – which Filshill supports – and is a volunteer with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.