Fifth-generation wholesaler JW Filshill has appointed Matthew Howie as business development manager, joining the business from Morrisons where he headed up the Morrisons Daily franchise operation across Scotland.
Mr Howie, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in both the retail and wholesale sectors, brings to Filshill – and its growing KeyStore brand – a wealth of knowledge and proven track record in stakeholder engagement, leadership, and driving growth in independent retail.
Starting his journey in fruit and veg at the Co-op at the age of 16, he worked his way up to manager, store manager, and business development manager at Nisa/Co-op before moving to the role at Morrisons Daily, garnering deep insight into the convenience and wholesale markets along the way.
His appointment is a key component of Renfrewshire-based Filshill’s 2031 Growth Strategy, accelerating the recruitment of new KeyStore customers and reinforcing the wholesaler’s ambition to be the first-choice symbol group for tech-savvy, entrepreneurial retailers who value great service and community support.
“Matthew’s appointment is pivotal as we embark on the next phase in our evolution and we welcome the fresh ideas and industry contacts that he brings to the Filshill business," said Craig Brown, Filshill’s chief sales and marketing officer.
“We are constantly developing how we incorporate technology solutions as we seek innovative solutions to boost efficiency and sustainability across the business – Matthew is tuned into these goals and aspirations, and we are delighted to have him on board for the next chapter of our journey.”
Replacing Roy Williams, who will retire at the end of March after nine years with the Filshill business, Mr Howie said: “Being aware of Filshill’s reputation as a business that has a strong relationship with both retailers and suppliers as well as its focus on family values, then hearing about its exciting plans for the future, joining the company is a no-brainer for me.
“My values closely align with theirs and I’m looking forward to using my experience from working in retail and wholesale over many years to contribute to the growth and development of a business that is proudly Scottish based and independent yet is not parochial in outlook and is undeniably one of the UK’s leading wholesalers.
“Being able to bring a fresh perspective to a long-established business aligns with my personal ambitions in the industry and I’m delighted to join the ‘Filshill family’.”
Based in East Lothian, Mr Howie is known to many in the industry as co-chair of the Scottish branch of GroceryAid – which Filshill supports – and is a volunteer with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. “It’s important to give something back and again I align with Filshill’s support for charity during its 150th anniversary last year and also through the KeyStore Community Fund which sees retailers give thousands of pounds to local groups and charities and helps cement their position in the heart of their neighbourhoods,”
Away from work, Mr Howie enjoys golf, lawn bowls, spending time with his partner Lorna, children Bethany, 15, and Ethan, 12, and walking his two dogs, Jack and Marley.