Scottish Wholesale Association to host innovative annual conference in Aberdeen
The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) is preparing to host its new-format Annual Conference on 5th June 2025 in Aberdeen, signalling a significant event for professionals in the wholesale sector. This year's conference, themed 'Kaizen', focuses on the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, aiming to explore the current landscape and future prospects of the Scottish wholesale sector. The venue for this year's gathering is the Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, situated near the picturesque River Dee.
Highlighting the importance of proactive engagement in the wholesale arena, António Costa, the global CEO of the Kaizen Institute, will be among the keynote speakers. His presentation will delve into the principles of Kaizen, illustrating how the methodology can drive transformative changes within the food and drink wholesale industries. Costa stated, “Success in food and drink wholesale doesn’t happen from the sidelines – you have to see the reality and take action,” emphasizing the necessity of both vision and action for industry success. His discussion will cover crucial topics such as sustainability, technological advancements, and operational efficiencies, demonstrating how adopting these principles can strengthen businesses within the sector.
In addition to Costa, the conference will feature Captain Emma Henderson, a former airline pilot and founder of Project Wingman, a charity dedicated to providing mental health support to NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. Henderson, who has been honored as Businesswoman of the Year 2023 and received an MBE for her charitable work, will share her unique insights into leadership and resilience gained from her transition from aviation to charity work. She expressed enthusiasm about addressing the conference, stating, “The focus on Kaizen resonates deeply with my aviation background – in the flight deck, we are constantly making small adjustments to stay on course." Her perspective aims to inspire attendees to adopt a flexible and continuous improvement mindset in their operations.
The conference agenda encompasses a diverse range of discussions and sessions focused on pertinent industry issues, including the integration of technology and artificial intelligence in wholesale operations, as well as the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. An exhibition featuring some of Scotland's notable food and drink producers will complement these discussions, showcasing products from members of SWA's Delivering Growth Through Wholesale (DGTW) programme.
Colin Smith, the SWA chief executive, expressed the organisation's intent to make the conference relevant for both members and suppliers. He noted, “By using Kaizen as our theme, and incorporating that into our panel sessions, we hope to provide a platform for some robust and lively conversations.” This approach is aimed at fostering an environment where members can share and exchange critical information, thereby enhancing their business models and collaborative efforts. Smith further highlighted the networking opportunities this event presents, allowing participants to establish new connections in a relaxed setting.
On the evening before the conference, attendees will have the chance to engage in a pre-conference barbecue and networking event in the gardens of Ardoe House, setting the stage for the main conference activities on the following day.
In anticipation of high interest in this renewed format, SWA has encouraged prospective participants to secure their places early, promising a platform that will inspire professionals in the wholesale sector through innovative ideas and actionable strategies. Additional speakers and panellists will be announced as the event date approaches, further enriching the conference experience for all participants.