Parfetts has its sight set on expanding its network across the UK, with the wholesaler fast forwarding its growth plans over the past 18 months.
“We already had the frameworks in place to grow, but Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown has accelerated those plans. We’ve now expanded in the digital and delivered spaces and improved our cash and carry capabilities,” explained joint managing director Guy Swindell.
Read more: Parfetts completes expansion of Aintree depot
The wholesaler currently has seven depots as far as down as Birmingham and is cautiously looking further ahead for new opportunities: “Yes, we have a national ambition but it’s a cautious one. We’ve proved you can grow with our existing sites and we will have the capacity one day. We’ve invested in the distribution sites we’ve got and four of them are the compasses covering the north, south, east and west.
Parfetts recently recognised it retailers at its annual Retailer Awards in Manchester, with regional winners on the night including; Nitin Limbani of Go Local Extra in Sunderland, Bay Bashir of Go Local Belle Vue in Middlesbrough, Robert Cooper of Go Local in Holywell and Simrun Badh of Go Local Extra in Sheffield.
For the first time, retailers in the East and West Midlands were recognised with Jeyanand Sivapalan of Go Local Extra in Derby and Rizwan Rafiq of Go Local Extra in Stoke, respectively taking the honours.
Haydn Hicks, from The Local in Ulverston, was named newcomer of the year, and Sasi Patel of Go Local Extra in Oldham received the community award. In addition, Priyesh Vekaria from Go Local Extra in Manchester was recognised for digital innovation of the year.
The most improved store was awarded to Nathan Thiru of Go Local in Runcorn, while retail execution of the year went to Parfull Kumar of Go Local Extra in Manchester.
Commenting on the awards, Swindell added said: “Our retailers worked hard throughout the pandemic to support their communities and underline the importance of the convenience sector. The standard of the winners this year is truly impressive, and we are proud to recognise the best of retail in our awards.
“As we continue to accelerate our growth and expand our footprint across the UK, we are investing record amounts in our people, technology and service to ensure our retailers continue to have the support they need to succeed.”
