Bestway announces retailers’ development programme for 2021

UK’s largest independent food and drink wholesaler, Bestway, on Tuesday (31) announced the launch of the Bestway Retail Development Programme 2021 – which includes the highly sought-after Bestway Retail Development Awards.

Deemed as the only retail-focused scheme of its kind for retailers, the Bestway Retail Development Programme (BRDP) is held in three different locations across the UK. The two-day event compromises seminars and a trade show which offers an exclusive opportunity for Bestway’s retailers to meet suppliers and learn about emerging trends, new products and sample these first-hand.

The programme is designed to help retailers accelerate growth within their businesses.

This year, the seminars will take place on the following dates:

Scottish Seminar and Trade Show, 12 to 14 October, Hilton Glasgow

Southern Seminar and Trade Show, 2 to 4 November, Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4

Northern Seminar and Trade Show, 7 to 9 December, Marriot Leeds.

Retailers will hear directly from some of the biggest brands in the sector, who will provide company, category and brand performance updates, as well as information about new product launches and marketing activity.

According to Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, the whole ethos of the BRDP Programme is to enable retailers to ‘connect, learn, share, and grow’. 

“As a business, we are enormously proud to have developed and be hosting this scheme. Further to the changing of regulations, we are pleased to be hosting this years’ programme in person as we know our retailers have missed the direct contact that this scheme affords them alongside the opportunity to connect with each other and our suppliers,” Pervez said.

“Together, we talk about best practices and emerging trends, we share insights and suppliers present new products for the future. Learning from each other and collaborating together is a powerful force that delivers back great value, which in turn helps drive growth and upsell,” he said.

Independent retailers who attend the development seminars are also eligible to enter the annual Bestway Retailer Development Awards. They will have six months to put into practice what they learn at the seminars with the support of suppliers and their Bestway Development Managers to showcase results.

The winning retailers are selected based on their professionalism, implementation of advice received and sales figures that demonstrate the improvements they have made. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held in London in May 2022, where the lucky winners will receive a share of the £50,000 prize fund.