Wholesale body Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has rebranded its Fellowship Fund as "Wholesale Futures". The announcement was made today (10) at FWD’s flagship Diversity in Wholesale Conference.
Wholesale Futures offers up to £3,000 in matched funding, available through FWD to food and drink wholesalers, an increase from its previous amount of £2,500. Applications for company-wide training are also accepted, meaning companies can receive up to £15,000 in funding each year.
“Our goal is to encourage people to enter the industry and train them for the future,” says James Bielby, CEO, FWD. “It’s a great way to nurture and retain employees, as they are given the tools to help them succeed. Wholesale Futures is about individual development and personal growth, which is why it’s fitting to launch it at Diversity in Wholesale 2024.”
Wholesale Futures was previously known as The Fellowship Fund, which launched in 1964. Today, its new name and new look brings it into the modern-day workplace, where diversity, inclusion and equity are at the fore. FWD, Spar and Booker are trustees of the fund.
Wholesale Futures supports wholesalers by offering additional training for employees in areas that are not a legal requirement as part of their role. For the individual, Wholesale Futures is great for personal and professional development. For the employer, it eases the financial strain on businesses.
Rebecca Mallows, People Director for the Booker Group says, “At Booker we’re passionate about supporting our colleagues and giving them the tools they need to get on. Wholesale Futures is a great way for colleagues within the industry to access the training they need for future success, and supports businesses in fostering, recognising and retaining talent.”
Jo Hounsell, HR Director, Appleby Westward Group, Spar’s wholesaler in the west country, adds, “We have been able to use Wholesale Futures to extend our training budget into areas that we ordinarily wouldn’t have been able to support. Through the FWD we’ve had the opportunity to develop essential skills in our organisation, and also facilitate the career growth of our colleagues.”
Gill Parks, Group HR Manager at Savona Foodservice, explains why they utilise the funding.
“Applying for this grant allows us to offer greater opportunities to our 250 employees and puts learning and development higher up in our strategic priorities. The grant provides 50 per cent of the cost which we, as a business, then match. It gives a huge boost to out Learning and Development budget.”
