The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has announced that its Annual Conference will take place in Ardoe House Hotel & Spa in Aberdeen on Thursday, 5th June.
Previously a weekend event, the new one-day conference is 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 conference 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.
SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “We’re ringing the changes with our new-format Annual Conference which returns for the first time since 2019.
“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.”
