Wholesale Group JW Filshill Restructures Buying Team

Award-winning wholesaler JW Filshill has restructured its buying team.

Simon Hannah, managing director of the Glasgow-based independent company, said: "We have been working hard on improving internal systems in all areas of the business and this has proved to be very successful specifically in the operational departments.

"Having made significant steps in improving our IT systems with the help of Sandersons, we now have the ability to remove large amounts of work that is currently being replicated across all buying departments.

"As a result, we have created some new positions which will lead to further improvements and support to both the buying team and the warehouse. These changes will allow for greater focus within the buying department for negotiating and execution of agreed supplier activity.

"Accordingly, we have created a more strategic reporting structure within the department as a whole."

Sales director Ian McDonald takes on overall responsibility for sales and buying, and is appointed sales and buying director with Derek Cowan taking on further responsibilities in the role of head buyer.

Other role changes Stuart Harrison, grocery buyer who is appointed senior grocery buyer and Charlotte Rigby who is appointed buying administration manager.

Alcohol buyer Paul McAlindon is appointed sales representative while Steven McNaughton, impulse buyer becomes stock inventory clerk.

Ex-Botterills Convenience Stores stalwart Liz Kane joins JW Filshill as alcohol buyer, taking up her post at the end of November.

Said Simon Hannah: "Liz has over 30 years' experience with Botterills and has excellent experience both in buying functions and retail activation, and we very much look forward to welcoming her into the Filshill family."

All other buying team members will remain in their current roles: Gerry Monaghan, senior alcohol buyer; Fiona Ritchie, impulse buyer; and John Brown, buying administration.

JW Filshill operates the KeyStore retail chain in Scotland and the north of England. The fourth-generation family-run business is Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesaler, currently employing almost 250 people.

The fourth-generation company has been named the best wholesale business in Scotland, winning the Champion of Champions title in the high-profile Scottish Wholesale Achievers awards on no less than five occasions.

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