Weekly news summary 19th March 2015

HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– CALEDONIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS APPOINTED BY SWA
– ANOTHER EQUIPMENT DEAL FOR 3663
– BLAKEMORE FOODSERVICE GETS COUNCIL RECOGNITION
– OVER £280,000 RAISED AT GROCERYAID BALL

SWA APPOINTS PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONSULTANTS

The Scottish Wholesale Association has appointed Caledonia Public Affairs to lobby politicians on issues affecting its members and their businesses.

Edinburgh-based Caledonia has vast experience in Scottish political and public life, and the team – led by company directors Margaret Smith and Devin Scobie – will bring to the Association first-hand insight into the requirements of elected representatives and the importance of building relationships with key stakeholders.

Smith, who was the constituency MSP for Edinburgh West for 12 years, has expertise as a former Holyrood committee convener, deputy convener and frontbench spokesperson on a broad range of subjects, including transport, education and health.

She also has experience of working with trade associations. Scobie, who established Caledonia in 2006, has more than 25 years’ experience in public affairs and public relations.

“The Scottish Wholesale Association already enjoys a high profile within the food and drink industry and Caledonia’s task is to extend that exposure to the corridors of Holyrood and Westminster,” said Smith. “We have identified a raft of pertinent issues on which we need to engage with parliamentarians and governments north and south of the Border.

“We’re meeting with Association members on the ground to identify any specific areas that matter to them and their businesses,” she continued. “Going forward, we’ll seek to build effective partnerships with politicians so that when decision-makers are making policies and taking decisions which impact on this important sector, they have a better evidence base and understanding from which to work.”

Kate Salmon, SWA executive director, said: “This is an exciting but challenging time for the wholesale industry given ongoing and imminent legislation – much of which changes pace very quickly. For that reason, we need an experienced, dedicated team to keep abreast of the Scottish political scene as we approach the General Election in May and, in 2016, the Holyrood elections.”

Supporting Smith and Scobie’s work with the SWA is Euan Robson, former MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire for eight years.

Tel: Scottish Wholesale Association 0131-556 8753

ANOTHER EQUIPMENT DEAL FOR 3663

3663 Catering Equipment, which as reported last month has won a renewed three-year contract for all Pizza Express restaurants in the UK and China, has entered into a similar term arrangement with the Richoux Group.

The equipment supplier’s sister company Bidvest 3663 is currently engaged in a two-year deal to provide food to the 17-outlet chain.

Richoux operates restaurants under three names – American-themed Dean’s Diner, Italian-style Villagio and American/Italian Zippers. All are being supplied with tabletop items, barware and non-food.

Paul Knight, director of 3663 Catering Equipment, said: “Based on our experience of working with growing casual dining brands and our expertise in bespoke product design, we have developed a unique proposition for the Richoux Group.”

One of three brands of restaurant involved in the new agreement.

Tel: 3663 Catering Equipment (0370) 3663 960 

BLAKEMORE FOODSERVICE GETS COUNCIL RECOGNITION

Blakemore Foodservice has received the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility accreditation from Birmingham City Council.

Its six main principles are: involvement in local employment, ‘buying Birmingham first’, partnering communities, being a good employer, being green and sustainable, and following ethical procurement.

The wholesaler’s trade sector manager, Matthew Johnson, said: “The accreditation is a significant achievement as it demonstrates our continuing commitment to operating in a responsible manner, aligning our activities with those of Birmingham City Council in order to support sustainability throughout the delivery of our service over the next four years.”

Tel: Blakemore Foodservice 0121-526 8400

OVER £280,000 RAISED AT GROCERYAID BALL

More than 700 people from across the grocery industry helped raise over £280,000 for GroceryAid as a result of the charity’s annual diamond ball in central London.

Director general Gillian Barker commented: “The evening was a huge success. The money will enable us to look after at least 187 beneficiaries in the coming 12 months with both financial and practical support.”

GroceryAid director general Gillian Barker (centre) with some of the guests at the Diamond Ball.

The event was attended by key industry figures, with the welcome speech given by John Farrell, Tesco’s managing director – new business development.

Major sponsors included 2 Sisters Food Group, Arla Foods, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Dairy Crest, Dunbia, Hain Daniels Group, Mondelez International, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Philip Morris, Premier Foods, Procter & Gamble, R&R Ice Cream, Unilever, Warburtons and Weetabix.

A diamond draw sponsored by Fayrefield Foods raised more than £10,000, with one lucky person winning a pair of diamond earrings worth more than £3,500.

Tel: GroceryAid (01252) 875925