HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– APPLEBY WESTWARD APPOINTS MIKE BOARDMAN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
– HILLS PROSPECT IN TODAY’S GROUP U-TURN
– FWD CALLS ON EXCHEQUER SECRETARY TO CLAMP DOWN ON ILLICIT TRADE

‘EXCEPTIONAL COSTS’ HIT APPLEBY WESTWARD HARD

South-west SPAR wholesaler Appleby Westward has reported a 65% spiral in pre-tax profit – down to £378,000 – in 2013.

The company blamed the decline on the sale of assets totalling £108,000 and an “onerous lease provision” exceptional item of £767,000.

The Saltash-based company has undergone major changes recently, including the purchase of an 80% stake by SPAR Group in South Africa of AW’s parent company BWG and the departure of managing director Mark McCammond to join fellow SPAR wholesaler Henderson Group as retail director.

His replacement is former Blakemore trading director Mike Boardman, who will be able to take solace from Appleby Westward’s 3% revenue increase to £134 million.

Tel: Appleby Westward (01752) 854000.

HILLS PROSPECT IN TODAY’S GROUP U-TURN

Having initially declined to join Today’s Group when it had the chance to do so earlier this year, Romford-based drinks delivered wholesaler Hills Prospect has had a change of heart.

The company, which has an annual turnover of £45 million, was previously one of the leading members of the former on-trade buying group, NDD (National Drinks Distributors).

That amalgam became depleted last year after six members, with combined turnover of £79 million, joined Landmark Wholesale, before 14 of the 17 remaining affiliates, with sales of almost £200 million, decided to sign up with Today’s.

It left three NDD members undecided, one of them being Hills Prospect, which services the south-east and central London.

Today’s managing director Bill Laird said: “Following the demise of Waverley TBS in October 2012, there are now very few established routes to market for suppliers and manufacturers, which is an unhealthy position for all.

“With our rapidly expanding on-trade membership, we have created a new presence in the on-trade sector, providing pubs, bars and other outlets with a wider choice and range of services.”

Tel: Today’s Group 0844 247 0700
Tel: Hills Prospect 01708 335050

TRADE BODIES MEET WITH EXCHEQUER SECRETARY TO TACKLE FRAUDSTERS

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors and Association of Convenience Stores have pressed for more action to tackle duty fraud and illicit trade in alcohol and tobacco at a meeting with Priti Patel MP, the Exchequer Secretary.

Non-UK duty paid tobacco and alcohol is estimated to cost the Treasury more than £2.6 billion in lost revenue, and harms tens of thousands of legitimate businesses.

Both the ACS and FWD have a close working relationship with HM Revenue and Customs in developing its enforcement strategy, including development of the registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers, due to commence in 2017. Both organisations chair working groups of the Joint Alcohol Anti-Fraud Taskforce.

FWD chief executive James Bielby said: “The battle against alcohol duty fraud is being fought on three fronts – the registration of wholesalers, new due diligence requirements for excise traders and increased enforcement activity by HMRC.

“In recent weeks, HMRC has made encouraging progress in its crackdown on fraudsters, and we will work with the Minister and her team to ensure that the other preventative measures are equally effective.”

Tel: FWD (01323) 724952