Sterling Supergroup looks ahead to ‘The Next 60’ years at annual conference
‘The Next 60: Technology, Insight and Opportunity’ was the theme of Sterling Supergroup’s 60th Annual Conference & Exhibition, held recently at Old Thorns Hotel, Hampshire.
The event attracted a record number of member delegates and suppliers, reflecting the strong engagement and support across the group.
During the conference, delegates received updates on Sterling’s strategy and priorities, including the unveiling of its new premium own-brand range, Diamond Selection by Sterling.
A key feature of the event was the exhibition, providing members with the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers, explore new products and discuss opportunities for growth.
The annual golf tournament, held at Old Thorns, once again proved to be a popular part of the event. The overall winner was John Fearns of Duni Poppies, and Tony Charalambous of T&L Wholesale was Golf Captain.
The event also incorporated the group’s Annual General Meeting, a key part of the cooperative structure of the business, which is owned and governed by its members. The AGM ensures members have a direct voice in the buying group’s future direction and the opportunity to shape its continued success.
At the AGM, members appointed two new directors to the board: Mark Wright, purchasing manager at FB The Wholesaler, and Grant Le Tissier, managing director of Manor Farm Foods.
The conference concluded with a Gala and Awards Dinner, where achievements were recognised from across the group and its supplier base:
Representatives of T&L Wholesale, which won the Member of the Year award, with Sterling’s Daniel Larkin (fourth on right).
Member of the Year: T&L Wholesale
Supplier of the Year: Kiril Mischeff
Sterling Caterers Essentials Member of the Year: Reids Foodservice
Sterling Caterers Essentials Supplier of the Year: Delifrance (UK)
Sustainability Member of the Year: FB The Wholesaler
Sustainability Supplier of the Year: AB World Foods
Guests also supported Sterling’s ongoing 60th anniversary fundraising efforts. Through the conference auction and tombola, a total of £5,800 was raised for its chosen charity partners, Hospitality Action, Action Against Hunger and FoodCycle.
Daniel Larkin, chief commercial officer at Sterling Supergroup, said: “This year’s Annual Conference & Exhibition felt particularly special as we celebrated Sterling’s 60th anniversary. The fantastic turnout, the quality of discussion and the support shown for our fundraising activities reflected everything that makes Sterling what it is today.
“The theme of ‘The Next 60: Technology, Insight and Opportunity’ was about looking ahead and ensuring we remain well placed to support our members for years to come. We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success.”
As the buying group enters its seventh decade, the conference highlighted a business that continues to evolve while remaining true to the cooperative principles on which it was founded.
