UWS celebrates Achievers wins and confirms £500m turnover target

United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading wholesale and cash & carry operators after a standout night at the Scottish Wholesale Achievers awards, securing multiple honours.

The Glasgow-based operator, which opened a depot in London in 2024, was awarded Best Cash & Carry for its Queenslie branch, as well as Best Innovation, Best Licensed Wholesaler – Off-Trade and Best Marketing Initiative for its ‘Spin to Win’ retail initiative.

In addition, operations & finance analyst Jordan McLay was crowned Rising Star of Wholesale, while former Rising Star winner Jason Butler, now head of operations, was named Employee of the Year.

The wholesaler was also runner-up in the Best Delivered Operation – Retail category, and highly commended in Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year and in Best Symbol Group for its Day-Today fascia.

The success at Achievers caps off a landmark 12 months for the business, which delivered record double-digit organic sales growth in 2025 – excluding the contribution of its newly opened London depot.

UWS’s London depot has quickly become a blueprint for the wholesaler’s future.

The London depot has quickly become a blueprint for the group’s future, combining best-in-class retail standards, strong supplier collaboration and data-led ranging and promotions.

This latest Achievers success underlines UWS’s growing influence not just in Scotland, but across the full UK wholesale and convenience retail landscape.

The Unitas member is widely regarded as an industry leader in digital capability, data insight and promotional innovation. According to UWS, significant investment in technology, hardware and software has enabled the business to deliver sharper ranging, stronger supplier return on investment, and improved retailer profitability.

Chairman Asim Sarwar commented: “It’s fantastic to see United Wholesale Scotland recognised amongst the very best wholesalers in the UK. What makes this even more special is that the Achievers awards are judged by customers and suppliers. That recognition means everything. I genuinely believe there has never been a better time for retailers and suppliers to partner with UWS.”

Managing director Chris Gallacher added: “Over the past few years we have led the way in wholesale, particularly in digital, data and tech. It’s encouraging to see others in the market beginning to follow that direction — because ultimately that strengthens the entire wholesale channel for both retailers and suppliers.

“We’ve just taken our supplier partners through our new five-year growth plan and we are well on our way to building a business that exceeds half a billion pounds in turnover.”

UWS’s ambitious five-year growth strategy is underpinned by continued organic expansion, strategic depot development, increased delivery slots and expansion to areas not yet touched by UWS. Deeper supplier partnerships and enhanced support for convenience retailers nationwide also form part of its strategy.

Despite its record performance and multiple award wins, the leadership team remains focused on the next phase.

Gallacher said: “Double-digit growth and industry recognition are achievements to be proud of – but we cannot be complacent. There is still so much more to do. Our ambition is clear: to remain the perfect partner for both our customers and our suppliers, and to continue leading from the front.”

UWS chairman Asim Sarwar (second on right): ‘Being the most successful wholesaler doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built on trust, teamwork and long-term partnerships.’

The company credits its continued success to the strength of collaboration across the business. From depot colleagues to retail customers and supplier partners at every level, UWS emphasises that sustained growth is driven by shared ambition and alignment.

To mark the milestone year, UWS has confirmed plans for a series of special partner celebration events throughout 2026.

Unitas CEO John Kinney commented: “We’re incredibly proud to see UWS recognised with multiple awards at the SWA Achievers awards. It’s a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of their team and their commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing to support UWS as they build on this success and drive their ambitious expansion plans forward.”

Sarwar concluded: “Being the most successful wholesaler doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built on trust, teamwork and long-term partnerships. As we continue to implement our five-year growth plan, there is only one direction for United Wholesale Scotland – forward.”