The collaboration is designed to strengthen delivery capacity and flexibility as S&W continues to grow and prepares for the completion of its multi-purpose 180,000 sq ft warehouse and office space.

The partnership focuses on protecting the high level personal, store-first service S&W has been built on for over 100 years; while also building its operational resilience required to support the increased volumes, peak trading periods, and future expansion.

Director John Paul Harkin of BradEx said: “Six months ago, we spoke openly with S&W about their growth plans and proposed a trial using our city trailers.

“Maintaining personal service was essential, so we worked closely together, trained our teams to S&W’s standards, and became an extension of their operation. The trailers increased payload and reduced vehicle movements, supporting lower CO₂ emissions without compromising service.”

The partnership has been built around shared standards, collaborative planning, and a practical focus on what retailers need most: reliable delivery windows, consistent availability, and clear communication. BradEx drivers and their operational teams receive ongoing training aligned to S&W’s ways of working, ensuring service continuity across all routes and locations.

Clive Whylie, Head of Operations at S&W Wholesale added: “BradEx have strengthened our transport capacity while protecting what matters most to our customers: service.

“Their drivers operate to our standards, which means our customers see dependable deliveries today and a stronger platform as we transition into our new warehouse and future growth. It provides our customers with the confidence that we are strengthen our operations as Your Trusted Wholesaler.”

S&W’s new warehouse development will further support their plans for enhancing product availability, range, picking efficiency and overall operational capability. Combined with the enhanced transport model, the investment will help S&W serve customers more consistently across the island of Ireland, while building greater resilience into its logistics operation.

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Since becoming employee-owned, S&W Wholesale has continued to strengthen its market position while creating a culture within where every team member has a genuine stake in the company’s success. Under the EOT model, the business is owned on behalf of its employees, ensuring decisions are made for the long term.

Putting People First

Employee ownership has delivered clear and tangible benefits across S&W. Over the past three years, S&W Wholesale has introduced employee benefits such as:

• Tax-free bonuses linked to company performance
• Long service recognition awards
• Increased holiday entitlement and Birthday Leave
• Birthday leave for all employees
• Over £3 million invested in new equipment, improving operational efficiency and safety
• Progress on new 180,000 sq ft multi-purpose site

Anthony McVeigh, CEO said: “These initiatives introduced to our employees reflect the company’s belief that success should be shared, and that continuing to invest in our people has continued to drive better outcomes for our customers, the community, the sector and our supply partners.

Strengthening Wholesale Operations

The ongoing investment in both new equipment and the new 180,000 sq ft warehouse will enhance productivity, service reliability and capacity, ensuring S&W Wholesale remains a strong, competitive partner for retailers across the island of Ireland.

“In a fast-moving and demanding wholesale environment, this investment will continue to support our consistent service standards, grow our entire business model while future-proofing S&W,” added Anthony.

“Employee ownership has also encouraged greater engagement and accountability, with teams more closely aligned to business performance and long-term goals.”

Celebrating the Milestone

To mark the three-year anniversary, S&W Wholesale will celebrate with employees on Wednesday 28^th January, bringing teams together for coffee and treats to recognise their ongoing contribution to the company’s journey.

A Positive Model for the Sector

S&W Wholesale’s EOT journey highlights how employee ownership can successfully combine commercial growth with cultural strength. By sharing success, reinvesting in infrastructure and prioritizing employee well-being, the company has developed a model that benefits their teams, their customers and the wider wholesale and retail sector across the island of Ireland.

Three years on, S&W Wholesale’s employee ownership story continues to demonstrate that when people are truly invested in a business, everyone moves forward together. Together, we go further.

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For over 100 years, S&W has built a legacy of trust as Ireland’s leading wholesaler, consistently offering ‘A Whole Lot More’ to support the success of their customers.

Their long-standing history is testament to their unwavering commitment to the wholesale sector and the retail community across the island of Ireland, a commitment S&W continues to strengthen with clear promises for the future.

Indeed, S&W’s innovative transition nearly three years ago to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) – a first of its kind for a company of its scale in Northern Ireland – underscores their dedication to a stable and reliable future. This unique structure ensures that S&W’s focus remains firmly on the long-term success of their retailers and customers, fostering employee retention and mutual growth alongside valued suppliers.

As CEO of S&W Wholesale, Anthony McVeigh told NR the move to transition to an EOT was to cement the legacy of S&W as well as strengthen their partnerships with their customers, employees and suppliers.

“We wanted to install confidence in our customers, suppliers and wider stakeholders that S&W will be here for the long-term, to support their business and grow alongside S&W as their trusted wholesaler,” said Anthony.

“The EOT move has allowed us to successfully do this, as we look to the future with our new multi-purpose building currently in construction with local contractor, Kelly Bros from Warrenpoint.”

“Becoming an EOT employer means our people have a genuine stake in S&W’s future,” added Laura Cassells, Head of People and Culture at S&W.

“It protects our culture, keeps us independent, and creates space for growth – growth of the business, growth in opportunities for our people, and growth in the positive impact we can make in our community.”

This summer, S&W announced it had appointed building contractor, Kelly Brothers LLP from Warrenpoint as the main contractor on its new, purpose-built facilities in Newry.

The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park, is situated adjacent to the southbound side of the A1 dual carriageway, supporting the company’s future growth plans right across the island to better service our customers.

The proposal for the 180,000 sq ft storage and distribution warehouse including ancillary office accommodation is a major boost to the EOT business, as it looks to the future.

“As a Leadership Team, we recognised that the business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites,” said Anthony.

“This investment in the new facilities will secure the long-term future of S&W as a leading independent grocery wholesaler – one that our customers can continue to place their trust in.

“As an EOT business, it is essential that we continue to invest in the business, our people and in the local community. This new facility will allow us to maximise our operational efficiency and support our customers further.”

In the meantime, the company has continued to invest in other sides of the business, including its ever-growing fleet and logistics operations.

“We have already invested significantly in our fleet with new additions, including temperature-controlled lorries this year to help service our customers more efficiently,” said Clive Whylie, Head of Operations.

“With the development of our new site well underway, we have upgraded and invested back into our warehouse efficiencies with the introduction of new state-of-the-art pallet and reach trucks. This crucial investment will enable our award-winning operations team to enhance both the reliability of our service to customers and our internal operational efficiencies.

“Our continuous improvement mindset at S&W is centred around a core value – prioritising the customer. We are constantly looking for ways to improve as a team and offer a better service each time for our customers.”

Delivering on a promise to offer ‘A Whole Lot More’ for its customers, S&W established an exciting new symbol brand, Nearby in 2021. Exclusive to the company, it was launched with a commitment to play a vital part in a modernisation strategy to help independent retailers forge deeper connections with their local communities.

Promising to refresh the look and feel of convenience stores, the Nearby brand delivers a sense of togetherness, convenience and great value that’s never too far from home.

Nearby has proved it is more than a symbol for independent retailers. With a retail support system in place, the latest market knowledge and retail technology, retailers can focus on what they do best, while Nearby supports the rest.

Having marked the fourth anniversary of Nearby this summer, Chief Sales Officer Michael Skelton told NR their Nearby stores are central to the company’s mission.

“The success of Nearby stems from our unwavering customer loyalty in independent retailing, paired with our robust wholesale support,” said Michael.

TO SEE THE S&W WHOLESALE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER, CLICK HERE

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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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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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