SWA forum encourages networking

Musselburgh Racecourse was the venue for a recent networking forum for Scottish Wholesale Association Members and Associate Members.

Almost 80 people accepted an invitation from president Norman Wemyss to listen to a short presentation about the association then enjoy lunch and an excellent afternoon’s racing. The aim of the forum was to encourage networking and discuss current developments within the SWA in an informal environment.

Wemyss, freetrade sales and business development director at 3663, spoke about current developments within the SWA and the progress the trade association has made in recent months. He referred specifically to the ongoing success of Achievers, the highly successful awards initiative, the Annual Conference and also the imminent launch of the new SWA website.

Also speaking on the day was Jonathan Kemp, commercial director of AG Barr. He gave a supplier’s perspective on the importance of supporting the SWA and its activities, highlighting how much Achievers had helped his own business forge stronger links with SWA members and the benefits of attending the conference.

David Barnes of Nestlé FoodServices gave a fascinating insight into training, highlighting the sterling work being done in this important field by the SWA’s independent training consultant, Your People Matters.

SWA executive director Kate Salmon said: “This was a hugely successful and enjoyable exercise for us.

“The high attendance confirms that this type of event is viewed as very worthwhile by our members and associate members – the feedback has been excellent and it is our intention to stage a similar type of forum in 2008.”