Weekly news summary 2nd April 2015


HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– C&C MANAGEMENT PROMOTES MICHAEL CATLING TO DEPUTY EDITOR
– BIDVEST 3663 MOVING HEADQUARTERS TO SLOUGH
– FAIRWAY FOODSERVICE ACHIEVES 11% SALES RISE


MICHAEL CATLING PROMOTED TO DEPUTY EDITOR

Cash & Carry Management has promoted former editorial assistant Michael Catling to deputy editor.

Catling joined the magazine in April last year, having graduated from Staffordshire University with a first-class degree in sports journalism.

Michael CatlingCommenting on his promotion, managing editor Kirsti Sharratt said: “Michael has proved himself to be a very capable journalist and was instrumental in the successful redesign of Cash & Carry Management last year. He has also been quick to grasp the complexities of the cash & carry and delivered wholesale industries and the customers they serve.”

Catling added: “I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to assume greater responsibility across all aspects of production, and I am excited about a number of projects planned for the second half of this year.

“Since I joined Cash & Carry Management, I believe I have flourished under the guidance of Kirsti Sharratt and Mervyn Gilbert – two hugely experienced and knowledgeable journalists. I look forward to repaying their faith in the coming months.”

Tel: Cash & Carry Management (01342) 712100


BIDVEST 3663 MOVING HEADQUARTERS TO SLOUGH

After 16 years in its original home in High Wycombe, Bucks, Bidvest 3663 is to move next spring to a new head office and regional distribution centre on the Slough Trading Estate – about 20 miles away.

The company has signed a multi-million-pound 20-year lease contract for the 117,400 sq ft site with developer SEGRO.

Its current premises were occupied by Booker Foodservice until 1999, when 3663 was formed from the discontinued Booker offshoot.

Most of the new site will be occupied by a temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution facility, using low voltage LED lighting, including light and warehouse door sensors and solar panels on the roof. It is believed there will be more than 60 delivery vehicles.

The 22,000 sq ft office area – on three floors – will incorporate the wholesaler’s marketing, commercial, quality control, finance, IT, customer services and telesales teams.

Chief executive Andrew Selley said: “The move to Slough will enable us to operate from a high quality and modern facility which will alleviate pressure on existing depots in London and the south.

“The location and efficiencies that the new depot will bring will enable us to serve our customers with a fast, efficient service, as well as provide new employment opportunities for the local community.”

The move represents phase three of a major development programme begun in 2012 with the acquisition of Forteith Foodservice in Scotland and South Lincs Foodservice.

Tel: Bidvest 3663 (0370) 3663 000 

An artist's impression of Bidvest 3663's new site in Slough.


FAIRWAY FOODSERVICE ACHIEVES 11% SALES RISE

Fairway Foodservice increased turnover from £498 million to £556 million (up 11%) in its last financial year.

The group has 17 member wholesalers, operating in the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Chris BingeChief executive Chris Binge (pictured) commented: “The members’ collective turnover figures for 2014 are fantastic. Everyone lifted turnover, with one exception. And that business enacted a planned strategic customer-base change. The increased top line is also reflected in the bottom line.

“We support members’ independence and regionality and provide them with common needs and services. This also reflects very well on our suppliers, who work with us and share in our continuing growth.”

Binge added that the foodservice wholesale sector is “particularly buoyant” at present. “It seems as if the strong trend of the past 15 months is continuing through spring and, all being well, there is another good year ahead.”

Tel: Fairway Foodservice (01422) 319100

Published Date: April 2, 2015
Category: Wholesale Industry News