Independents are making headway in the battle against the multiples, claimed Nisa-Today's group md John Schofield as the group posted a strong set of full year results. "There is a huge feeling of optimism among our members," he said. "Growth and expansion are the current buzzwords." Overall turnover for the year to April 2000 increased by 16% to £605.8m, with central distribution turnover within that rising 18.4% to £545m. The acquisition of an 80,000 sq ft depot and the opening of a new chill and freeze operation last year have driven central distribution volumes to record levels, with extensions under way to double its capacity to 160,000 sq ft. Nisa-Today's new structure, which divides the group into three divisions ­ central distribution, wholesaling and group trading and CBC/Retail, each with its own md ­ has also helped "sharpen the focus" of each unit. {{NEWS }}