Plans are well under way for the return of the Scottish Wholesale Association’s new-format Annual Conference, taking place in Aberdeen on Thursday, 5 June – and tickets are now on sale.
The event, which adopts a different format to the SWA’s previous well-attended weekend conferences, and this year moves out of the central belt to the north-east of Scotland, will focus on new trends and market insights in the wholesale industry with the wider theme centred around Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement.
Kaizen, meaning “change for the better”, will help the industry explore topics such as the importance of technology within wholesale, along with the use of data and AI (artificial intelligence) within the sector to bring efficiency and improved insights to wholesale operations.
Other discussions will explore DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) in the workplace, plus sustainability, creating value, and maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-changing and fast-moving wholesale industry.
Another key component of the one-day conference, which is being held at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa near the River Dee on the outskirts of Aberdeen, is an exhibition featuring some of Scotland’s finest produce, as part of the SWA’s commitment to a strong, resilient, local supply chain.
The exhibition will showcase food and drink producers which have participated in the SWA’s Delivering Growth Through Wholesale (DGTW) and Wholesale Local Food Champion programmes.
Colin Smith
“We’re ringing the changes with our new-format Annual Conference which returns for the first time since 2019," said SWA chief executive Colin Smith.
“As we strive to ensure that our Annual Conference remains relevant to members and suppliers – their time is at a premium so we must provide a platform for networking and create an environment that is conducive to encouraging discussion and sharing information – we will use Kaizen as the lens through which we will look to the future.
“What does a thriving Scottish wholesale channel look like, now and in the coming years, and what steps should we take to make it a reality? With the support of the renowned Kaizen Institute, our conference – which will feature a mix of speakers and panel discussions – will seek some of the answers.
“SWA members have told us how valuable networking opportunities like this are to their businesses as they provide a rare opportunity to catch up with their peers and meet new contacts in a relaxed environment.
“Space is limited so please secure your spot today and be part of an event that promises to inspire and empower.”
For those SWA members travelling to Aberdeen the day before, there is a pre-conference BBQ and networking evening in Ardoe’s stunning gardens, overlooking the River Dee, on Thursday, 4 June, which attendees can book as part of the conference package.
To book: scottishwholesale.glueup.com/event/swa-conference-2025-kaizen-126838/home.html
JET New North Road in Ilford
Helen and Andrew Wood of Edith Weston Village Store in Edith Weston, Rutland
