United Wholesale Scotland Glasgow depot

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors says its lobbying activity will be strengthened by a report that highlights the contribution made by the wholesale sector to the UK economy.

The report by Capital Economics for the FWD shows that its members collectively turn over £30bn, employ 66,000 people, serve 400,000 businesses and pay about £460m of tax to the Exchequer every year.

FWD will present the report to Defra minister George Eustice next week and urge government to give wholesale greater priority in terms of policy and legislation.

“Our members make an essential contribution to the success of small businesses, the lifeblood of the UK economy,” said FWD CEO James Bielby. “In a retail and catering sector where the largest players have historically had the loudest voice, this report redresses the imbalance by demonstrating the enormous value of wholesale distributors and their supply chain partners.”