Wholesaler granted permission for new warehouse outside Newry

Consumer goods wholesaler S&W on Wednesday (11) has been given a go-ahead for a new £15 million headquarters outside Newry, stated recent reports.

S&W said the new site, which will have a 17,700 square metre warehouse as well as offices, would support its growth across the island. And it said the move would allow it to grow its payroll from just under £10m to £12m “in the near future”. Construction is due to start later this year.

Michael Skelton, S&W Wholesale chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been given the go-ahead for our new headquarters.

“The business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites. This new facility will allow us to maximise our operational efficiency, while giving our valuable team of more than 300 people a pleasant, fit for purpose working environment.”

Anthony McVeigh, deputy chief executive and chief financial officer, said: “The trust’s board ensures the business operates for the benefit of the employees. Building new premises fit for the future and to support ambitious growth plans was a vitally important part of the decision-making progress to move to an EOT.

“We would like to thank all those who have supported us with this project, and we look forward to working with the local community to be a responsible neighbour in our new location.”

S&W Wholesale, previously known as Savage & Whitten, owns brands include Nearby, Todays and Cuppa.