Matthew Howie appointed as BDM at JW Filshill

Wholesaler JW Filshill has appointed Matthew Howie as business development manager (BDM), joining the business from Morrisons, where he headed up the Morrisons Daily franchise operation across Scotland.

Howie, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in retail and wholesale, brings a wealth of knowledge and a “proven track record in stakeholder engagement, leadership, and driving growth in independent retail” to Filshill and its growing KeyStore brand, it said.

Starting his journey at the Co-op at 16, he worked his way up to manager, store manager, and BDM at Nisa/Co-op before moving to the role at Morrisons Daily, garnering insight into the convenience and wholesale markets along the way.

His appointment is a key component of Renfrewshire-based Filshill’s 2031 Growth Strategy, accelerating the recruitment of new KeyStore customers and reinforcing the wholesaler’s ambition to be the “first-choice symbol group for tech-savvy, entrepreneurial retailers,” it added.

Craig Brown, Filshill’s chief sales and marketing officer, said: “Matthew’s appointment is pivotal as we embark on the next phase in our evolution and we welcome the fresh ideas and industry contacts that he brings to the Filshill business.

“We’re constantly developing how we incorporate technology solutions to boost efficiency and sustainability across the business – Matthew is tuned into these goals and aspirations, and we’re delighted to have him on board for the next chapter.”

Replacing Roy Williams, who retires next month, Howie said: “Being aware of Filshill’s reputation as a business that has a strong relationship with both retailers and suppliers as well as its focus on family values, then hearing about its exciting plans for the future, joining the company is a no-brainer for me.

“My values closely align with theirs and I’m looking forward to using my experience from working in retail and wholesale over many years to contribute to the growth and development of a business that is proudly Scottish based and independent yet is not parochial in outlook and is undeniably one of the UK’s leading wholesalers.”

Howie is also known to many in the industry as co-chair of the Scottish branch of GroceryAid – which JW Filshill supports – and is a volunteer with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

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