WholeStory - An FWD Podcast

Menopause is no longer a conversation that can be brushed under the carpet. But how do we turn growing awareness into real change?
In this episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Lyndsey Cambridge is joined by Carolyn Harris MP, a leading voice in the campaign to improve menopause awareness and support.
They explore why menopause needs greater recognition, the role of employers in supporting women at work, and how open conversations can challenge stigma and drive change. From personal experiences to the wider political agenda, this is a thought-provoking conversation about breaking the silence, changing attitudes and making sure menopause gets the attention it deserves.

Sarah Guest, Managing Director from Rowan International, joins us on the latest WholeStory podcast.
From finding new homes for surplus stock to tackling the red tape holding businesses back, Rowan International has a unique role in the wholesale supply chain. Sarah talks about the challenges facing the sector, why welcoming a local MP to its Basildon site matters, and how changes such as the proposed UK-EU SPS agreement could affect the movement of goods.
Sarah also shares her own unexpected journey into wholesale, why putting people at the heart of leadership pays off, and her work as an FWD Women Leading Wholesale Ambassador, championing women in leadership roles and encouraging others to recognise their potential.

When the pressure builds, what breaks first? For many wholesalers, it’s the final mile.
In the latest episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Zara Baker talks to Tom Lowe, Account Executive at Descartes, about what happens when delivery volumes suddenly ramp up,  and why a route plan that works perfectly well at normal volumes can quickly start to creak.
From the summer heatwave to festive peaks, they explore how wholesalers can get more from the fleet they already have, the growing expectation for Amazon and Uber-style delivery experiences, and why every delivery is also a valuable source of data.
And with AI increasingly entering the conversation, Tom explains why the question isn’t simply “where can we use AI?”, but where can it genuinely add value?

Oats may be a familiar cupboard staple, but how much more could they offer foodservice and wholesale customers?
In this episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Zara Baker is joined by Colin Kiddell and Colin Ferguson from White’s Oats to explore how changing consumer habits are giving this humble ingredient a new lease of life.
They discuss the growing focus on fibre, natural and recognisable ingredients, convenience and protein-rich nutrition, as well as the influence of social media on trends such as overnight and baked oats.
But the conversation goes well beyond breakfast. From smoothies and snacks to baking, salads, grain bowls and even using oats as a savoury coating, the episode explores the opportunities for foodservice operators to think differently about one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen.
White's also share how they are working with customers and development chefs to create new applications, including a quick-cook steel cut oat, and why collaboration and innovation will be key to unlocking the next chapter for oats.

 
What happens when a wholesaler can’t see the problem until it’s already happened?
This summer’s heatwave highlighted just how quickly disruption can ripple through the food supply chain – from stock and fresh products to refrigerated vehicles and deliveries.
In this episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Zara Baker talks to Jack Clegg, Founder and CEO of Platter, about the role technology can play in helping wholesalers spot issues earlier, react faster and build greater resilience.
They discuss the hidden cost of disconnected systems and manual processes, and Jack shares his thoughts on AI and what wholesalers can do now to identify the simple opportunities to save time and work smarter.

In this new episode of the WholeStory podcast, James Bielby, Chief Executive of Food & Drink Wholesale UK, is joined by special guest Daniel Zeichner MP, former Food Minister and Chair of the Food Resilience Commission.
As the political landscape shifts under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Zeichner shares his perspective on the Government's priorities, the mood within the Labour Party and the next General Election.
The conversation then turns to one of wholesale's most pressing challenges: building a more resilient food system. From cyber security and sustainable food systems to farming, school meals and the growing impact of GLP-1, Zeichner discusses the issues shaping the future of the UK's food supply chain. He also reflects on the progress of the Food Resilience Commission and the work still to be done ahead of its recommendations, expected later this year and into early 2027, including the case for recognising the food supply chain as critical national infrastructure.
A topical conversation not to be missed.

What does a Burnham government look like and what does it mean for FWD members? Following Andy Burnham's policy speech earlier this week, this special political update of the WholeStory podcast explores Burnham's policy priorities. These include giving power to local leaders to ensure economic growth, the creation of No. 10 North, a second centre of power in Manchester, and a reform of business rates.
The discussion also turns to new Food Minister Stephen Morgan MP, the next steps for the Food Resilience Commission, MP summer site visits to member depots, and the upcoming Wholesale Star Awards, recognising young people working in the sector.
Don't miss this essential update during one of the most significant political periods since Labour came to power.
 
 

In the latest episode we're joined by Marianne Shick, VP of Sales, Key Accounts, at Datassential to discuss the trends we're seeing in 2026 and what to expect in the year ahead. As a new Service Provider Partner of FWD, Datassential helps the wholesale sector stay ahead. In the conversation Marianne explores quick service trends, why consumers are still opting for taste over price, the rise of the spicy menu and the new drink staple, matcha. Of course, no conversation on data would be complete without mentioning AI. Marianne's advice is to proceed but with caution. Also, why there's no such thing as bad data, just unused data. Listen to the conversation.

In this new episode of WholeStory, we’re joined by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to explore how wholesalers can get ready for one of the biggest commercial opportunities of the year:  the Fifa World Cup.
From high-impact depot activations to driving footfall, engagement and sales across pubs, bars and foodservice, the conversation looks at how major sporting moments can create real value for wholesale businesses when suppliers and wholesalers work together effectively.
The episode also explores changing consumer behaviours around live sport, social occasions and food-to-go, alongside the growing importance of collaboration across the supply chain to turn excitement around the tournament into measurable sales growth.
Packed with practical insight, activation ideas and commercial opportunities, this is essential listening for wholesalers looking to make the most of a huge trading moment.

In this latest episode of WholeStory, FWD's James Bielby and DGA's Josh Aulak  unpack a bumper fortnight in the world of politics. With local elections, the King's Speech, and a critical by-election looming, pressure is building across Westminster ahead of the next parliamentary term. 
But crucially, this episode goes beyond the headlines. We explore the real-world legislation and policy changes coming down the line that could directly impact wholesalers, from business costs and employment policy to regulation, food resilience and future trading conditions.
The conversation also looks at how Food & Drink Wholesale UK is representing the sector in Government, ensuring wholesale voices are heard at both national and local level during a period of major political and economic uncertainty.
For wholesalers, suppliers and industry leaders alike, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.