Bestway utilises ex-P&H vans and staff for new van sales operation

Bestway Wholesale is starting up a new van sales operation selling crisps, snacks, confectionery and soft drinks, following the placing into administration of P&H’s Snacksdirect and Sweetsdirect businesses.

The van sales business will service over 20,000 retail customers with a fleet of 180 vans that Bestway has acquired from P&H’s administrators PwC. The vans will call on the retailers every fortnight, starting as early as 22 January.

Martin Race: ‘The new Bestway van sales division is a welcome addition to the business.’

The new division will be led by Noel Robinson, who previously headed up the P&H operation. Robinson will report directly to Bestway Wholesale’s managing director Martin Race.

Many of the P&H van sales staff will also be re-employed by Bestway to facilitate a smooth transition for customers.

Commenting on the new initiative, Race said: “The new Bestway van sales division is a welcome addition to the business. We feel we will be able to drive operational efficiencies by running the van sales business out of our existing network of depots.

“Moreover, as many customers look for alternative sources of supply after the collapse of P&H, this move will reinforce our ability to offer further support and supply customers, continuing to demonstrate our commitment to the wholesale channel and to independent retailers.

“As a result, and buoyed by the groundswell of support from our supplier partners, we feel the launch of this new service to customers will be a great fit for us in delivering our future growth plans and building on our already close relationships with customers.”

Dawood Pervez, trading director, added: “This business gives Bestway further reach in the distribution of its supplier partners’ products. Together with our depot network, telesales function, web and app channels, and sales and development teams, we have the widest and most integrated solution in the market.”

Tel: Bestway Group 020-8453 1234