JW Filshill appoints new regional development manager for east and north of Scotland

Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill is strengthening its KeyStore business support team in the north of England with the appointment of Laurence Ward as regional development manager for the east and north of Scotland.

Most recently operations manager at Batleys Edinburgh at Newbridge, Ward brings vast sales and operational experience to the Filshill business as it moves to its new purpose-built distribution centre at Westway Business Park near Glasgow Airport.

Mr Ward, who spent 12 years at Batleys in numerous roles, described his new Filshill position as a “fantastic opportunity”, coming at a time when he is keen to advance his career. At Filshill, he will report to Craig Brown, chief sales and marketing officer at the fifth-generation family business.

“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Laurence to the Filshill family at such an exciting time for our business,” Mr Brown said. “His vast sales and operational experience will be an asset to Filshill when we are embarking on the next stage of our own business journey by relocating to our new depot.

“We are ambitious for the future and plan to grown the KeyStore estate by 10 per cent in 2023 on the back of an increase in our operational capacity along with efficiency and productivity improvements. Laurence will play a key role in helping us achieve those ambitions.”

Originally from Leicester, Ward studied marine biology at University of Plymouth and lives in Stirling – a central location that allows him to pursue his love of mountain biking and outdoor activities. “My career now is a million miles away from marine biology but I absolutely love wholesale and convenience retailing,” he said.

“Filshill is such a major player in the sector so I was very aware of the business but I know I will be on a steep learning curve as I meet our customers, encourage new ones to join the Filshill family and embark on this new phase of my career.

“I’m hugely excited about the future, both for me and for Filshill, and it’s great to have joined the business at such an exciting and important time for such a long-established business that is prepared to invest in the future of our industry. It really is a fantastic opportunity.”

Pointing to the strong momentum that has seen Filshill grow its KeyStore estate over the last year, Brown added: “As more retailers choose KeyStore as the best solution for achieving increased profit and margin, it is important that we have committed individuals like Laurence working to stimulate growth for our brand and customers in a competitive convenience marketplace.”

Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesalers, saw turnover increase to £200 million – up 4.4 per cent from £191 million – in the year ending January 31, 2022. Last autumn, it acquired the well-known Renfrewshire-based business of Iain Hill, a delivered wholesaler specialising in soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and other impulse products.