– PRICECHECK JOINS TODAY’S GROUP
– MARK AYLWIN NAMED MD OF MUSGRAVE GB
– JJ FOOD SERVICE PUTS MORE EMPHASIS ON FRESH MEAT

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WHOLESALE DISCOUNTER JOINS TODAY’S GROUP

Sheffield-based wholesale discounter Pricecheck has joined Today’s Group, whose purchasing power stands at around £5.75 billion

The £40 million operator plans to double sales and staff over the next five years.

It sells discounted clearance stock – predominantly in health & beauty – from a 100,000 sq ft depot. Customers include discount and independent retailers, pharmacies, internet retailers and other wholesalers.

Today’s Group managing director Bill Laird said: “Pricecheck is a fast-growing, forward-thinking business, keen on investment and expansion. It is an excellent fit for our group.”

This year, Pricecheck is relocating to larger premises on the outskirts of Sheffield as part of its five-year expansion plan, which also includes doubling the staff total to 150.

“Retailers and their customers will benefit from Pricecheck’s competitive pricing on leading branded goods, combined with the benefits of our promotional programme,” Laird added.

Run by joint managing directors Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, the 37-year-old business recently received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognising export turnover growth from £3 million to £12 million in five years. It has links with more than 50 countries.

Tel: Today’s Group (0844) 247 0700
Tel: Pricecheck (0114) 244 0887

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AYLWIN NAMED MD OF MUSGRAVE GB

The former managing director of Booker Direct, Mark Aylwin, is joining Musgrave GB – which operates the Budgens and Londis chains – as managing director.

When he moves there this month it will be his second stint with the company, having worked there briefly (2005/6) as supply chain & IT director.

The appointment effectively means that Aylwin (pictured) will be staying with Booker Group, which is still awaiting permission from the Competition & Markets Authority to acquire the Musgrave GB business, for which it made a £40 million bid two months ago (Cash & Carry Management: June).

After working in supply chain management with the former Safeway retail chain and then Musgrave GB, Aylwin moved to the Blueheath online delivered wholesale business as chief executive.

When Booker bought that company in 2007, he was appointed head of Booker Direct, the group’s growing delivered wholesale operation, which dominates the cinema network and also includes Marks & Spencer among its customers.

Booker has yet to make an announcement as to who will succeed Aylwin as MD of its delivered wholesale side, presumably waiting until 14 September, when the Competition & Markets Authority’s decision on the proposed Musgrave GB takeover is due.

Tel: Booker Group (01933) 371000

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MORE EMPHASIS ON FRESH MEAT

JJ Food Service has opened a fresh meat and poultry counter at its Enfield, north London, branch to capitalise on impulse sales.

At the end of last year, the wholesaler launched new fresh lamb, beef and pork ranges, including locally-sourced, Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Red Tractor approved products.

More recently, the offer was developed with the introduction of smaller pack sizes to support independent outlets.

In addition to fresh lines, the new counter features freezer cabinets highlighting a range of frozen meat options.

JJ Food Service is also showcasing its newly-expanded frozen fish and seafood ranges with modern chiller and freezer cabinets in the main customer ordering area.

Tel: JJ Food Service (0843) 309 0991

Published Date: July 23, 2015