The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) has held a successful networking event, bringing together a range of suppliers and retailers, make new contacts and discuss the issues facing the retail sector.
Date:
Wed, 30 Nov 2011
Source:
SGF
SGF:
Website
Themed 'Strength in Numbers', the event at Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh also heard presentations were heard from, among others, John McNeill, chief executive of the Scottish Co-operative, Alan Halliday, regional director for Scotland of Coca-Cola Enterprises, freelance journalist Karen Peattie and Murdo Fraser MSP.
Commenting on the event, SGF chief executive, John Drummond, said: "In the current economic climate, with all of the financial pressures this entails and with what seems like a constant flow of legislation and regulation from the Government, the SGF networking event is a great opportunity to step back and discuss the policy issues which matter and, most importantly, to make new business contacts.
"I would say that the event was a definite success and strengthened by the numbers of organisations which chose to participate."
A number of participants also commented after the event. Robert Clark of Tennent's said: "I found this years’ networking event to be both interesting and informative.
"The quality was again first rate and the opportunity to meet and discuss our industry with representatives from a diverse range of businesses adds a perspective that we would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience."
Philip McRae of Dunns Food and Drinks said: "Having the chance to meet so many key players was fantastic.
"Apart from the one-to-one sessions in the afternoon the evening format also allowed a more informal chance to chat with the same people which was a great idea – I’ve already made inroads with JW Filshill and a formal meeting is already planned."
Paul McLaughlin, managing director of Scotty Brand, said: "I found the networking session very useful. I made some very good contacts with whom I have already followed up and hope to soon be doing business with them."
The SGF is the trade association for the Scottish convenience store sector and the authoritative voice for the trade to policymakers and the media.
It boasts almost 2,000 convenience stores in membership, including groups such as Spar Scotland, Booker Premier, KeyStore, Nisa, Costcutter, McColl's, the Scottish Co-operative, Scotmid and Clydebank Co-op, as well as a number of independent retailers including David Sands and Margiotta.
The SGF promotes responsible community retailing and works with the Government and media to encourage a greater understanding of the contribution convenience retailers make to Scotland’s communities.
More retail news from Scotland.