Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD) is to formally lead Women in Wholesale from this month, bringing the educational networking initiative fully into its Diversity in Wholesale programme.
Women in Wholesale was founded in 2015 by Elit Rowland and, for the past five years, has been delivered in close partnership with FWD.
During this time, FWD has provided full funding for the initiative and has been responsible for its operational delivery, governance and event programme, working alongside Rowland and the Women in Wholesale steering committee.
The move formalised an existing arrangement and “secures the long-term future” of Women in Wholesale under FWD’s leadership, embedding it fully within the organisation’s wider work to support the leadership, wellbeing and progression across the wholesale sector, the trade association said.
Over the past decade, Women in Wholesale has delivered a range of initiatives including its annual Speed Mentoring event, Coaching Academy and Wellness Group. In 2018, it was recognised as Best Business Initiative of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards.
“I am incredibly proud of what Women in Wholesale and the SteerCo have achieved over the past 10 years,” said Rowland. “Working in partnership with FWD over the last five years has allowed the initiative to grow, reach more people and deliver real impact for the sector.
“This transition feels like a natural next step, and I am confident Women in Wholesale will continue to thrive under their leadership.”
FWD CEO James Bielby added: “Women in Wholesale has been an important part of FWD’s work for several years, and this move reflects the role we already play in funding, delivering and shaping the initiative.
“We are committed to building on the strong foundations already in place, ensuring Women in Wholesale continues to support leadership development and positive change across our sector.”
Members of the Women in Wholesale community will continue to receive updates and invitations as the programme moves forward under FWD leadership.
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