Exclusive to S&W Wholesale LTD whose head office is based conveniently in Newry, Nearby has been offering retailers a fresh new symbol brand to help independent retailers forge deeper connections in the local community.

Maurice Little Sales Manager NI said: “When we first started this journey back in 2021, we never imagined we would have 150 stores opened and actively serving their local communities in such a short space of time.

“There is a real desire and want from independent retailers for the brand and the team are ready to work with them to drive on their store.”

To mark the occasion the Nearby team have sent out over 20,000 birthday cards to all stores offering Nearby customers the chance to scan the QR Code for their chance to win some amazing prizes. The date was also marked in NI at Murray’s Nearby Cullyhanna with a long-standing retailer of S&W’s.

Aisling Murray owner of the store said: “Our store is very much at the heart of the community in Cullyhanna. The local community are very supportive of the store, and we are delighted to be able to help Nearby celebrate its milestone while also giving back to our community with a day filled with celebrations.

“Since becoming a Nearby store, we have seen our sales continue to grow with our rural store winning Best Deli and Best Convenience store at the Retail NI “High Street Heroes” Awards last year.”

On the day at Murray’s Nearby over 250 goodie bags packed full of supplier goodies was handed out and customers got the chance to ‘Spin the Nearby Wheel’ to win on the spot prizes. Prizes included hampers, store vouchers and one4all vouchers. The team at Q Radio including the Q-Man were there ensuring customers visiting the store had a great day and got those all-important social media shots to share with family and friends.

Daniel Comiskey Brand Marketing Lead Nearby said: “Three years, 150 stores – we couldn’t ask for much more than that! It’s testament to the entire team at S&W Wholesale LTD for their hard work and commitment to reaching this milestone.

“Celebrating our third birthday with an award-winning retailer and their team at store is what Nearby constantly aspires to achieve. Nearby stores are all about the community and the brand helps deliver that each day through its instore messages, marketing campaigns and customer experience.

“Being able to mark the occasion with a customer celebratory day in the heart of Cullyhanna makes it that more special for the team. We have strong ambitions to continue along the same trajectory path for the Nearby brand for 2024.”

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January 2024 marked the one-year anniversary of entering an EOT Business Model which allowed us to further invest back into the business, our staff and the local community for the future of S&W.

EOT

2023 for us at S&W was all about pioneering the way for an EOT move in Northern Ireland for a company of this scale. We knew there were going to be learnings on the journey, but we were committed to showing our staff, their families, the local community and all involved with S&W that we are an organisation for the future.

In the short space of time since its implementation we have been able to introduce bi-annual payments based on company performance to staff, additional annual leave and other staff rewards including increased Death in Service value to all.

The overall engagement opportunities have increased and employees have become more involved with developing the culture of S&W; shaping some fantastic initiatives such as the free breakfast all year round project. Our suppliers are safe in the knowledge too that S&W will continue to be their partners for the long term with ambitious growth and investment plans in motion for the year ahead.

INVESTMENT

Investing over £15 million in a new state-of-the-art storage, warehouse and office facility will allow S&W to grow from their current 100,000 sq ft base to 180,000 sq ft facilitating over 9,000+ product lines under one roof.

2023 also saw an investment of over £1m in a new dynamic IT System that will provide further efficiencies across the business. This will allow S&W to service customers across the island of Ireland with greater ease and provide real time information to make fast accurate decisions going forward.

Investment in our Transport Department has seen our lorry fleet continue to grow with the introduction of new temperature-controlled lorries added to our current number of 60.

AWARD-WINNING

Our teams across the business enjoyed fantastic successes at this year’s award ceremonies, winning some huge accolades that we are very proud of.

Our Nearby stores and teams across the business were also awarded at a store level for their excellent standards within the industry including at Neighbourhood Retailer where our stores compete amongst the highest level NI has to offer.

We were thrilled with the outcome this year for our brands and teams. To be recognised for the work and the commitment the teams have given this year at these top award ceremonies have been memorable to be part of.

While there will always be challenges to overcome in business, we have showed time and time again the ability to remain agile and work alongside our supply partners, our independent retailers and customers which will pave the way for further growth into 2024 and beyond.

TO READ MICHAEL’S INDUSTRY COMMENT IN THE 2024 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER YEARBOOK AND MARKETING GUIDE, CLICK HERE

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The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park, is conveniently situated adjacent to the A1 southbound. Representing an investment of circa £15 million, it will support the business’s future growth plans right across the island.

The proposal for the 16,730sqm storage and distribution warehouse including ancillary office accommodation, has been in planning for quite some time and offers a major boost to the business as it looks to the future.

Michael Skelton, S&W Wholesale CEO said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been given the go-ahead for our new headquarters. The business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites.

“This new facility will allow us to maximise our operational efficiency, while giving our valuable team of more than 300 people a pleasant, fit for purpose working environment.”

‘IMPORTANT MOVE’

Anthony McVeigh, Deputy CEO & CFO, S&W added: “We have just celebrated our first year in an EOT – Employee Ownership Trust Model. This structure saw control of the 107-year-old business move from private ownership to a Trust model.

“The Trust’s Board ensures the business operates for the benefit of the employees. Building new premises fit for the future and to support ambitious growth plans was a vitally important part of the decision-making progress to move to an EOT.

“We would like to thank all those who have supported us with this project, and we look forward to working with the local community to be a responsible neighbour in our new location. This move is very important for our customers, staff, retailers, and our entire supply chain base.

“We would also like to thank our fantastic team who have been very patient throughout this process. We look forward to them having brand new facilities where they can thrive and enjoy their workspace.”

S&W Wholesale, previously known as Savage & Whitten is an amalgamation of two local wholesalers and has been operating in Newry for more than 100 years. Its brands include Nearby, Todays and Cuppa. This new facility will see in the region of 120 construction jobs supported for the duration of the build and will allow S&W to grow its payroll from currently just under £10 million to circa £12 million in the near future.

S&W’s project team included TSA Planning, Clarman Architects, AtkinsRealis, Aona and King Communication. It is expected that construction will commence later this year.

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The business which employs more than 300 people is celebrating a milestone anniversary as it marks one year of being an EOT- Employee Ownership Trust. This structure saw control of the 107-year-old business move from private ownership to a Trust model, 12 months ago.

The Trust’s Board ensures the business operates for the benefit of the employees.

To celebrate the success of this model to date and to mark the occasion, the team has planned a month-long community celebration.

Anthony McVeigh, Deputy CEO of S&W said: “We have spent the last 12 months getting to understand the EOT model, to see how it can benefit our team and the community; as well as the business. Employee bonus payments are an important benefit for the team and the business is continuing to grow, so we wanted to do something special for the local community.

GIVING BACK

“This is where our S&W Christmas Community campaign came from. We have lots of activities planned and we would encourage people to follow us on social media to keep up to date. We are doing a Trolley Dash in Smyths toy store to spend £1,000 on toys for local children which will be distributed through the Newry Christmas Charity Dinner charity partners.

“Through our Facebook page, we are giving away £1,000 to five local charities who are making a difference in the community this Christmas. We will be delivering hampers to our emergency services and hosting a thank you event for our team, where there will be a charity raffle.

“Finally, in the run up to Christmas our Nearby Symbol brand team will be at Belfast International Airport welcoming arrivals with ‘Taste of Home’ packs as they return home to families and friends for Christmas.

“We really value our place in the greater Newry business community and appreciate our customers who have made us one of the largest independent wholesalers on the island of Ireland. We are looking forward to giving back and making a difference in the place where we live and work, this Christmas.”

To find out more about these activities or to nominate a charity for the 5 x £1,000 awards, check out S&W’s Facebook page.

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The Nearby Creeslough shop opened on Friday 11^th November, next to St Michael’s Church, giving the people of Creeslough the opportunity to shop close to home with local jobs being supported.

Nearby have been in partnership with the Lafferty family for over 12 years and wanted to provide a facility for the local community to be able to continue to shop in their own community.

“Friday 7^th October 2022 will be a day that will stay with many after the tragic events that occurred in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal,” said Michael Skelton, MD of S&W Wholesale.

“The desire however, from people near and far to want to do something to help has been very heartwarming and we, as the retail partner of the Lafferty’s Nearby store, promised we too would stand shoulder to shoulder with them and the Creeslough community.

“Having been in partnership with the Lafferty family for over 12 years, we understand fully the impact this tragedy has had in the local area. We continue to be very mindful and respectful of what has happened, with the victims and their families being a significant priority for us at S&W Wholesale.

“Working closely alongside the local community, the Diocese, and the Lafferty family we are proud to have been able to get those much-needed services and essentials back into Creeslough. This significant joint investment opened a store on Friday 11^th November next to St Michael’s Church to ensure the people of Creeslough can shop close to home with local jobs being supported.”

Michael continued: “The strength and teamwork of this close-knit community is touching to be a part of. Creeslough and beyond has supported the Lafferty family and us in getting their store opened to allow for those much-needed services back into the community. It has been great to witness local contractors, our supply partners, the Diocese, staff of the store all working alongside our symbol [Nearby] teams across ROI and NI.

“This really is a community store built by the local community and we are proud to see our support come to fruition. From all of us at S&W, we can’t thank you enough for the support and guidance and we hope that this store is a symbol of our long-standing commitment to Creeslough and the surrounding areas.”

The store opened on Friday 11^th November with staggered opening hours as a mark of respect to all the victims as Novena Masses continue. Annette and Danny-Martin, owners of Nearby Creeslough said: “We have been overwhelmed by the help, support and guidance from friends, strangers, S&W Wholesale and our community of Creeslough to get the store opened.

“Your kind messages of support mean so much to us, the family circle and our great team of staff. We hope to see you in store very soon.”

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