WholeStory - An FWD Podcast

In this special WholeStory episode, we’re joined by Simon Hannah of Filshill to mark a major milestone: 150 years of business. As the fifth generation leading the company, Simon reflects on the journey so far, from family roots in Scotland to a future built on innovation, sustainability, and culture.
The conversation explores Filshill’s new depot, its reputation for service, and the values that underpin every decision, from hiring to tech adoption. With AI, sustainability, and culture at the forefront, Simon shares how each generation has had to reinvent the business, and how he’s laying the foundations for the next.

After a whirlwind September in Westminster, the party conference season is now drawing to a close. In the latest episode of WholeStory, FWD CEO James Bielby is joined by Josh Aulak, Associate Partner at DGA, to explore the fallout of a lively start to the new political term.
From the Prime Minister’s wide-ranging Cabinet reshuffle to the mood amongst the party conference faithful, the episode unpacks how the political agenda is impacting FWD members right now.
James and Josh also look ahead to:
The Autumn Budget and the likely changes the Chancellor will be announcing
The likely priorities of the new Defra ministerial team
What will be setting the agenda in Westminster between now and Christmas
FWD’s policy priorities in the coming months and how members can get involved
It’s set to be a packed month in Westminster, so do listen to get an insight on what this is likely to mean for the wholesale sector and wider food supply chain. 

Parliament is back and politics is heating up. In the latest episode of WholeStory, FWD CEO James Bielby is joined by Josh Aulak, Associate Partner at DGA, to explore the issues shaping the autumn political agenda.
From Labour’s bid to regain momentum after Reform’s strong summer, to the looming autumn budget and further business rate rises that could impact wholesalers, the episode unpacks what matters most to FWD members right now.
They also look ahead to:
A possible Cabinet reshuffle in September
Donald Trump’s UK visit and its implications for the “special relationship”
The party conferences and whether Keir Starmer can reset the tone with his vision for Britain
And yes… even Christmas is mentioned!
It’s set to be a packed political season with big implications for wholesale, retail and the wider food supply chain.

Digitise or Drift – Why Tech is No Longer Optional
In our latest WholeStory episode, we’re joined by Dan Khachab, Co-founder and CEO of Choco, and Andrew Lynas, Managing Director of Lynas Foodservice, to talk about digital transformation in foodservice, and why the time to act is now.
They reflect on their powerful FWD Live session, diving into real-world results, the AI revolution, and how embracing tech has helped Lynas stay agile and ahead in a fast-changing hospitality landscape.
“The risk of waiting is risking the business,” says Dan.“We’re doing this because of our customer,” says Andrew.
From handwritten notes to WhatsApp orders, the accuracy and speed of automation are reshaping how orders are placed, processed and fulfilled, saving time, increasing trust, and empowering teams. With AI eliminating 50% of repetitive order-taking, it’s clear this isn’t a fad, it’s the future.
Whether you're just starting out with tech or already in the thick of it, this episode offers honest insights, practical benefits, and a glimpse at where the industry is headed next.

With the UK’s disposable vape ban coming into effect on 1 June, we’re joined by Steve McGeough, Managing Director of übbs Pouches, and Benedict Jones, Marketing Manager, to dive into what this major shift means for wholesalers, retailers, and adult consumers.
Steve and Benedict share their personal journeys of quitting, and how the upcoming ban represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. They stress that at the heart of it all is supporting adult smokers and vapers to quit the habit - and doing so with products made to the highest pharmaceutical standards.
But what will happen post-ban? übbs’ reveals some startling research from consumers.
 
Steve and Benedict make the case for why pouches - done right - are the future. They discuss consumer education, building trust with wholesalers, and working on cost-effective solutions and high-margin partnerships. 
Don’t miss this WholeStory episode about the changing landscape of nicotine consumption, and what’s next for übbs.
🎧 Listen now on WholeStory, the official podcast of FWD!

In this episode of WholeStory, we shine a spotlight on the power of long-term partnerships with two standout guests: Chris Sanders, Sales and Marketing Director at Radnor Hills, and Tom Mathew, Commercial Director at Dunsters Farm.
Dunsters Farm is a third-generation family-run business that started as a simple milk round. Now a trusted name in foodservice, especially within the education sector, Tom shares how the business has evolved through clear purpose and those all-important collaborative partnerships.
Radnor Hills has been with Dunsters from the very beginning of Chris’s career. He reflects on how honest communication and aligning strategies with customer goals have shaped Radnor’s approach to growth and innovation.
Together, Chris and Tom delve into the real-world challenges of serving schools through Brexit and the pandemic, and how shared values helped them not just survive, but thrive. They also discuss industry trends, sustainability best practices, and the importance of investing time and money where it really counts.
From creating impactful trade events to leading on green initiatives, both businesses are setting the pace for a more sustainable and collaborative future. These two could well be ones to watch at this year’s FWD Gold Medal Awards in November.
Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at what it really takes to build a successful partnership in wholesale.

Mark Gilham, VP for Rebate Strategy at Enable, and Clare Greensmith, Head of Finance and Data at Caterforce, join FWD's James Bielby in our all-new episode of WholeStory.
Working towards one common goal, Caterforce utilises Enable's rebate management system to great effect. Clare reveals how Enable lets them stop data gathering and start looking at the analytics, providing one source of truth for suppliers and members, streamlining processes and boosting profit. After all, as Mark Gilhan points out, if you're buying or selling you're looking at the same picture, just through a different lens.
How can Enable's Ai platform help? Mark says, "In foodservice a packet of prawn cocktail crisps has nothing to offer with prawns and nothing to do with cocktails but if you try and put that in a data structure you're really going to struggle. Ai can do that."
From losing fear over Ai, to tackling things with a chainsaw, listen now for insight into this fantastic partnership, which is enabling (pun intended) Caterforce to go for growth. 
 
 
 

FWD Service Provider member Orderlion and The Wholesale Group's SJB Foods join us to chat AI and efficiencies to counter the rising cost of business in our latest episode.
Has our attitude to AI changed? Orderlion admits to being cautious when it first became apparent that AI is taking centre stage and going nowhere. They've adapted to make AI part of product line and now support businesses like SJB Foods in improving efficiencies. Orderlion's Gabriel Van Heerden is quick to point out AI isn't replacing anyone; it's helping businesses adapt and grow in a fast-moving culture. James Berisford from SJB Foods talks about utilising Orderlion's White Label app within their family business, the uptake from their customers and what's it's like with the support of the newly formed The Wholesale Group. Listen now!
 

Trade between GB and NI has seen plenty of challenges since Brexit, and on our latest podcast, Michelle Charrington, from the Food Business Development Team at Invest NI, and Mark Stewart-Maunder, Commercial & Development Director at Henderson Foodservice, join James Bielby to discuss the topic in more detail.
As one of the top three employers in NI, Henderson's moves 90% of products through the red lane, meaning speed to market is an issue. Six weeks to get their hands on cake is the current norm! Vet certification is also required for citrus fruits coming out of GB - the impact of these legislations is real, and as a result, 26% of products previously bought out of GB are now sourced in Europe. 
While the pause on Not for EU Labelling has made it easier for trade, the challenge is on for the Goverrnment to support business growth.
Invest NI is represented in 31 countries and offers new grant funding to allow suppliers to invest and boost productivity.
While the pause on Not for EU Labelling has made it easier for trade, the challenge is on for the Goverrnment to support business growth.
Invest NI is represented in 31 countries and offers new grant funding to allow suppliers to invest and boost productivity. Michelle cites collaboration and investment in tech as key for future success, and while we don't have a crystal ball, both agree that the food sector is extremely resilient. 
Listen now.
 

In our all new podcast episode, FWD members Mike Morgan, MD, Savona Foodservice and Ronen Givon, CEO and founder of Rekki, discuss the recent Budget and its implications for the wholesale sector.
Ronen has a background in Computer Science and ran a restaurant chain, and founded Rekki in 2016 to help wholesale distributors and restaurants do more business together. Their USP is an authentic interest in the sector, as they come from it. 
Mike and Ronen discuss the increasing challenges the sector faces in 2025, with rising NLW costs and NI. How should the sector respond? And how do Savona and Rekki work together to overcome challenges?
This is the time for wholesale and foodservice to be innovative and collaborative with the service providers they work with. 
Increase efficiencies and not headcount to avoid rising costs. Share best practice and embrace new technology is the advice. Listen now for insight and advice, and also why you wouldn't want to mess with a chef!