Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
The company has confirmed that Mike Hollis, formerly retail director of Costcutter, has been appointed as Bestway Retail director. Hollis will lead a new retail division focused on helping independent retailers to grow their food and drinks business.
His leadership team is confirmed as Paul Adams (head of symbol fascia), Duncan Jelfs (head of franchise), Clive Binks (head of corporate stores), Frankie Haynes (head of central operations), and Jamie Davison (head of store recruitment and development).
The company has also confirmed that its buying and marketing teams will now be managed centrally for all cash & carry, convenience, off license, catering, pet specialist, and export customers under the leadership of Kenton Burchell who will take up a new role as group trading director.
Bestway Wholesale’s managing director, Dawood Pervez, said: “We are now bringing together our off licence-led business in Crewe – including our Bargain Booze and Wine Rack Brands – and convenience-led business in York – including our Costcutter and sub-brands Mace, Kwiksave, Simply Fresh, Supershop brands – and Best-one convenience, as one team within Bestway Retail.
“Importantly, we will continue to operate out of both sites, which will each become a centre of excellence for off-licence and convenience respectfully. Our new structure will optimise our ways of working within the Bestway teams, with our customers and our supplier partners. The approach that we have taken blends centrally managed services with localised, specialist expertise aligned to our key locations in the UK. Additional services that will be managed centrally include procurement, fleet and insurance services, legal and financial controllership.”
Pervez added: “Our new structure will undoubtedly continue to shape and evolve over the coming months whilst unlocking customer value and streamlining efficiencies within the combined business. We believe that we now have the talent and resources in place to partner with our retailers, support them, and help them grow in a dynamic marketplace.”
Bestway has confirmed that the above restructure will take effect over the coming weeks, and will continue to be overseen by Naser Khan, chief operating officer of Bestway Wholesale and Bestway Retail, who currently heads up the integration of the businesses.
