HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– NEW YEAR, NEW START FOR BIRCHALL FOODSERVICE 
– BLAKEMORE WHOLESALE ACHIEVES ONLINE GROWTH
– DOCTORATE FOR BESTWAY’S CHOUDREY

DOUBLE THE SPACE FOR BIRCHALL FOODSERVICE

Birchall Foodservice, a leading member of Country Range Group, next month moves from its depot and office in Hapton, Burnley, to the nearby Burnley Bridge Business Park.

The third-generation, Birchall-family-owned company now occupies the 64,000 sq ft Cobalt House, part of an estate located at junction 9 of the M65.

The delivered wholesaler has doubled its warehouse capacity, making it better equipped to service customers throughout the north of England and North Wales.

The new premises include a modern demonstration kitchen as well as an exhibition/training centre.

Managing director Colin Birchall (pictured left) said: “Having our own in-house training and exhibition facility will really set us apart from our competitors. It means we will be able to host training events covering subjects of interest to caterers, and suppliers will be able to showcase the latest product innovations to our customers.

“The space will also allow us to expand our product offering substantially, putting us on the same footing as the biggest players in the catering industry.”

Moving into the purpose-built warehouse will also enable Birchall Foodservice to expand into fresh foods, with a range of meat, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.

The company also has depots in Wrexham, Durham, Sheffield and Stafford.

Tel: Birchall Foodservice (01282) 429446

ONLINE SALES ‘EXCEED’ BLAKEMORE WHOLESALE’S EXPECTATIONS

Blakemore Wholesale achieved 42% year-on-year growth in online sales in September and October.

Commercial director Russell Grant said: “We are always looking at new ways to engage customers and our online sales growth has exceeded all expectations.

“Initiatives such as click & collect and our customer e-newsletter and text services have supported this growth, along with the increasing level of interest in our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“Retailers are clearly seeing the benefits of utilising technology. We are committed to serving their needs further with the launch of a new online ordering platform over the coming months. This will greatly improve the shopper experience and provide a wealth of additional features that will make it easier for retailers to do business with us and, in turn, grow their own sales.”

The Wolverhampton-based company, which operates 14 C&C and delivered depots, is the largest member of Landmark Wholesale.

Tel: Blakemore Wholesale (01902) 371515 

BESTWAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE ZAMEER CHOUDREY HONOURED BY UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Bestway Group chief executive Zameer Choudrey received an honorary doctorate in civil law from the University of Kent at a ceremony held in Canterbury Cathedral. The presentation was in recognition of his contribution to services to public life and business.

Choudrey graduated in accountancy from the University of Kent in 1981 and joined the C&C/wholesaler in 1984 as financial controller. He has been CEO for 10 years.

On receiving the degree, he commented: “To be recognised for one’s achievements in life is always extremely gratifying. It is fantastic to see how the university has flourished and continues to be a centre of excellence with an outstanding reputation internationally and domestically.”

Tel: Bestway Group 020-8453 1234