WholeStory - An FWD Podcast

WholeStory 9.26: Beyond Tokenism - Gender Allyship in Wholesale

How inclusive are our workplaces really, and what still needs to change?
In this episode of WholeStory, we’re joined by Michelle McDaid, founder of The Leading Place, to explore gender allyship, leadership and the cultures organisations create.
Michelle discusses why deeply embedded workplace systems can be hard to shift. We look at findings from the Championing Change report, the importance of visible female leadership, and the creation of the new Women Leading Wholesale Ambassadors network.
From tokenism to the role men must play in driving equality, Michelle shares practical advice for leaders who want people and performance to thrive.
A thoughtful conversation celebrating progress, while asking what comes next.

WholeStory 8.26: Political Update

In our latest episode, James Bielby is joined by DGA’s Josh Aulak and Jess Campbell-Dykes to discuss the political scene as of 1 April. With the war in the Middle East affecting petrol prices and fuel availability, the impact on the wider economy will be ongoing. Its impact is being felt by food and drink wholesalers, making the launch of the Food Resilience Commission timely. Set up to address the pressing challenges on the UK food supply chain, there is none more pressing than the current conflict. Members are urged to submit evidence and attend roundtables to help inform our findings and recommendations to Government.
The conversation also looks at the upcoming local elections on 7 May, DRS, and the new changes around Business Rates and National Living Wage, which are now in effect.
A must-listen for the wholesale food and drink sector and the wider community.

WholeStory - 7.26: Monsoon Consulting

Resilience is a word we hear a lot in wholesale, but what does it actually mean in practice?
In this episode of WholeStory, Zara Baker is joined by Bharat Sharma, Founder & CEO of  Monsoon Consulting and Apex B2B to talk about the real operational pressures facing wholesalers today, from tight margins and complex pricing to customer expectations and digital systems that don’t always talk to each other.
The conversation also reflects on some of the key conversations coming out of last month’s FWD Business Lunch and explores how platforms like Apex B2B are being developed specifically for wholesale environments.
An episode focused on the real operational challenges wholesalers face every day,  and the steps businesses can take now to become more efficient, more resilient and better prepared for the future.

WholeStory 6.26: Castell Howell x Open Info

What did wholesale look like in the 1990s compared to today? And where is it heading next?
In this packed new episode of WholeStory, we’re joined by some of the team at Castell Howell alongside OpenInfo co-founder Tom Morrison to explore how the wholesale landscape has transformed over the past three decades.
From the early days of manual processes and relationship-led trading to today’s fast-moving, data-driven environment, this conversation reflects on what’s changed, and what hasn’t. As Castell Howell share their journey and growth, we hear how strong culture, customer focus and adaptability have remained constant, even as technology reshapes the way wholesalers operate.
The discussion also turns to the role of AI and digital tools, and how solutions like OpenInfo are helping wholesalers unlock smarter decision-making, improve efficiency and future-proof their businesses.
This episode is a must-listen for wholesalers and suppliers looking to understand how the sector is evolving and how to stay ahead.

WholeStory 5.26: Political Upheaval - Wholesale Political Update

Following our Business Lunch, FWD CEO James Bielby and Harvey Tebay, Senior Associate at DGA, keep the conversation going around politics and policy, unpacking the latest political developments shaping the food and drink wholesale sector.
They discuss the Gorton & Denton by-election, where the Greens achieved victory over Reform, and examine growing scrutiny of party leadership amid Epstein and Mandelson controversies and recent resignations within Labour. With local elections looming on 7 May and six candidates vying for the top seat, James and Harvey explore what these shifts mean for policy and the impact on initiatives like the Make Work Pay consultations.
Listeners also get an inside look at FWD’s Food Resilience Commission; what it does and how members can get involved to help shape policies that support the wholesale sector.

WholeStory: Gold Medal Winners miniseries - Pricecheck Wholesale Star

In this latest episode, we're joined by Chloe Staniforth, winner of the Wholesale Star Award at the FWD Gold Medal Awards 2025.
As Head of Marketing at Pricecheck, Chloe shares her journey from starting out as a one-person marketing function to now leading an entire team! Entering the industry through the apprenticeship route, she discovered an early flair for creating content, and never looked back. Her story is a powerful reminder that wholesale offers real, dynamic career pathways for emerging talent.
Chloe reflects on taking every opportunity that’s come her way, from engaging in the Future Leaders Forum to building connections through the Women in Wholesale network at Food & Drink Wholesale UK. She discusses what she’s learned about leadership, resilience and backing yourself, as well as the commercial impact strong marketing can have in wholesale.
This episode celebrates ambition, modern leadership and why wholesale is full of opportunity for those ready to step forward - exactly what makes Chloe our 2025 Wholesale Star.

WholeStory 4.26: Swizzels Matlow - The Sweetest Love Story of all Time

In this new episode of WholeStory, we’re joined by one of the most iconic names in British confectionery, Swizzels Matlow.
FWD sits down with Nici Matlow, Director, and Ben Cooper, Wholesale Controller, to explore the story behind a business that has been making sweets – and memories – for almost a century.
Nici shares what it’s like to grow up in a family-owned company and how Swizzels has stayed fiercely independent while continuing to innovate and grow. Ben gives an insight into the brand’s long-standing commitment to wholesale, explaining why strong partnerships with wholesalers remain central to Swizzels’ success.
Together they discuss the importance of heritage, staff loyalty and long-term thinking in building a resilient business. From Squashies to Love Hearts, the conversation highlights how Swizzels balances a much-loved classic range with new opportunities in the market.
As proud supporters of FWD’s Diversity in Wholesale initiative, Nici and Ben also talk about putting people first, mentoring the next generation and why investing in talent is key to sustainable growth.
A warm, insightful and – of course – sweet conversation with one of the sector’s best-loved brands.
 

WholeStory: Gold Medal Winners Mini Series - Emerging Talent

In the first episode of our Gold Medal Winners Mini-Series, we sit down with Santosh Salunkhe of Dunsters Farm, winner of the FWD Gold Medal for Emerging Talent in Wholesale.
Santosh shares his inspiring journey into the sector and explains why he believes social value should sit at the core of every business. From engaging directly with catering teams on carbon literacy, to lecturing at universities and colleges, he is helping to reshape how wholesale is viewed, not just as a route to market, but as a powerful force for sustainability, food resilience and social impact.
With wholesale increasingly stepping forward as a strategic leader in sustainability and community impact, this episode highlights the passion and purpose behind the next generation of industry talent.
An insightful, uplifting listen that shows exactly why Santos is a deserving Gold Medal winner, and why people like him represent the future of food and drink wholesale.

WholeStory 3.26: Power, Pubs & Policy - Wholesale Political Update

In this latest WholeStory policy update, James Bielby, CEO of Food & Drink Wholesale UK, and Harvey Tebay, Senior Associate at DGA, unpack the political developments wholesalers need to care about and explains how FWD is working behind the scenes to protect and progress members’ interests in Government.
The episode covers Exchange for Change and what it could mean for the food and drink supply chain, alongside the real-world impact of the World Cup on pubs this summer.
The conversation turns to the May local elections and the continued rise of Reform as a major political force.
There’s also a deep dive into the launch of the Resilience Commission; why it matters now, and how wholesale is increasingly recognised as critical to food security, economic stability and resilience.
This episode is a clear reminder: FWD is at the table, representing wholesale, influencing policy and making sure the sector’s voice is heard where decisions are made.
 

WholeStory 2.26: Galvia AI Beyond the Buzzwords

In this new episode of WholeStory, we’re joined by John Clancy, CEO of Galvia AI to unpack what artificial intelligence really means for food and drink wholesalers, beyond the buzzwords.
The conversation explores how “system AI”, powered by a wholesaler’s own data, can unlock real commercial value across pricing, forecasting, availability and customer relationships. Galvia share what they’re seeing across the UK and Ireland, including early patterns where AI is already delivering measurable impact.
A major focus of the episode is the free Galvia AI Adoption Accelerator programme,  launching in Q1 2026. Designed specifically for FWD wholesalers, the programme aims to demystify AI, tackle common data challenges, and help leadership teams move from experimentation to practical, value-led adoption.
Looking ahead, we consider how AI will reshape relationships across the supply chain and what “good” looks like for wholesalers building genuinely data-driven businesses.