In this episode of WholeStory, we shine a spotlight on one of the most dynamic growth areas in foodservice: portion-controlled products. We’re joined by Wes Armstrong, Commercial Director of Portion Solutions, the UK’s leading specialist in portion formats, and Tom Gittins, Incoming Chair of Food & Drink Wholesale UK and Joint MD of The Wholesale Group, to explore the evolving landscape of food-to-go, operational efficiency, and supplier-wholesaler partnerships.

Wes shares how portion packs are becoming increasingly important as operators look for speed, consistency, hygiene and reduced waste. Tom discusses the wider market trends shaping foodservice right now: tighter labour, rising expectations for convenience, and the rapid expansion of food-to-go across all channels. 

A practical, insight-packed listen for wholesalers and suppliers looking to add value, streamline operations, and tap into one of the most resilient categories in foodservice.

In our latest WholeStory episode, we’re joined by Marcel Koks, Senior Director for Food & Beverage at Infor, to talk about how wholesalers can strengthen the food supply chain from farm to fork.

Marcel explains why building resilience has never been more critical — and how AI-driven planning tools, once only accessible to major global players, are now available to businesses of all sizes. From reducing carbon footprints to sourcing smarter, this episode explores practical ways to future-proof food supply in the face of climate change, global pressures, and shifting consumer demand.

In this special WholeStory episode, we’re joined by Simon Hannah of Filshill to mark a major milestone: 150 years of business. As the fifth generation leading the company, Simon reflects on the journey so far, from family roots in Scotland to a future built on innovation, sustainability, and culture.

The conversation explores Filshill’s new depot, its reputation for service, and the values that underpin every decision, from hiring to tech adoption. With AI, sustainability, and culture at the forefront, Simon shares how each generation has had to reinvent the business, and how he’s laying the foundations for the next.

After a whirlwind September in Westminster, the party conference season is now drawing to a close. In the latest episode of WholeStory, FWD CEO James Bielby is joined by Josh Aulak, Associate Partner at DGA, to explore the fallout of a lively start to the new political term.

From the Prime Minister’s wide-ranging Cabinet reshuffle to the mood amongst the party conference faithful, the episode unpacks how the political agenda is impacting FWD members right now.

James and Josh also look ahead to:

It’s set to be a packed month in Westminster, so do listen to get an insight on what this is likely to mean for the wholesale sector and wider food supply chain. 

Parliament is back and politics is heating up. In the latest episode of WholeStory, FWD CEO James Bielby is joined by Josh Aulak, Associate Partner at DGA, to explore the issues shaping the autumn political agenda.

From Labour’s bid to regain momentum after Reform’s strong summer, to the looming autumn budget and further business rate rises that could impact wholesalers, the episode unpacks what matters most to FWD members right now.

They also look ahead to:

It’s set to be a packed political season with big implications for wholesale, retail and the wider food supply chain.

Digitise or Drift – Why Tech is No Longer Optional

In our latest WholeStory episode, we’re joined by Dan Khachab, Co-founder and CEO of Choco, and Andrew Lynas, Managing Director of Lynas Foodservice, to talk about digital transformation in foodservice, and why the time to act is now.

They reflect on their powerful FWD Live session, diving into real-world results, the AI revolution, and how embracing tech has helped Lynas stay agile and ahead in a fast-changing hospitality landscape.

“The risk of waiting is risking the business,” says Dan.

From handwritten notes to WhatsApp orders, the accuracy and speed of automation are reshaping how orders are placed, processed and fulfilled, saving time, increasing trust, and empowering teams. With AI eliminating 50% of repetitive order-taking, it’s clear this isn’t a fad, it’s the future.

Whether you're just starting out with tech or already in the thick of it, this episode offers honest insights, practical benefits, and a glimpse at where the industry is headed next.

With the UK’s disposable vape ban coming into effect on 1 June, we’re joined by Steve McGeough, Managing Director of übbs Pouches, and Benedict Jones, Marketing Manager, to dive into what this major shift means for wholesalers, retailers, and adult consumers.

Steve and Benedict share their personal journeys of quitting, and how the upcoming ban represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. They stress that at the heart of it all is supporting adult smokers and vapers to quit the habit - and doing so with products made to the highest pharmaceutical standards.

But what will happen post-ban? übbs’ reveals some startling research from consumers.

Steve and Benedict make the case for why pouches - done right - are the future. They discuss consumer education, building trust with wholesalers, and working on cost-effective solutions and high-margin partnerships. 

Don’t miss this WholeStory episode about the changing landscape of nicotine consumption, and what’s next for übbs.

🎧 Listen now on WholeStory, the official podcast of FWD!

In this episode of WholeStory, we shine a spotlight on the power of long-term partnerships with two standout guests: Chris Sanders, Sales and Marketing Director at Radnor Hills, and Tom Mathew, Commercial Director at Dunsters Farm.

Dunsters Farm is a third-generation family-run business that started as a simple milk round. Now a trusted name in foodservice, especially within the education sector, Tom shares how the business has evolved through clear purpose and those all-important collaborative partnerships.

Radnor Hills has been with Dunsters from the very beginning of Chris’s career. He reflects on how honest communication and aligning strategies with customer goals have shaped Radnor’s approach to growth and innovation.

Together, Chris and Tom delve into the real-world challenges of serving schools through Brexit and the pandemic, and how shared values helped them not just survive, but thrive. They also discuss industry trends, sustainability best practices, and the importance of investing time and money where it really counts.

From creating impactful trade events to leading on green initiatives, both businesses are setting the pace for a more sustainable and collaborative future. These two could well be ones to watch at this year’s FWD Gold Medal Awards in November.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at what it really takes to build a successful partnership in wholesale.

Mark Gilham, VP for Rebate Strategy at Enable, and Clare Greensmith, Head of Finance and Data at Caterforce, join FWD's James Bielby in our all-new episode of WholeStory.

Working towards one common goal, Caterforce utilises Enable's rebate management system to great effect. Clare reveals how Enable lets them stop data gathering and start looking at the analytics, providing one source of truth for suppliers and members, streamlining processes and boosting profit. After all, as Mark Gilhan points out, if you're buying or selling you're looking at the same picture, just through a different lens.

How can Enable's Ai platform help? Mark says, "In foodservice a packet of prawn cocktail crisps has nothing to offer with prawns and nothing to do with cocktails but if you try and put that in a data structure you're really going to struggle. Ai can do that."

From losing fear over Ai, to tackling things with a chainsaw, listen now for insight into this fantastic partnership, which is enabling (pun intended) Caterforce to go for growth. 

FWD Service Provider member Orderlion and The Wholesale Group's SJB Foods join us to chat AI and efficiencies to counter the rising cost of business in our latest episode.

Has our attitude to AI changed? Orderlion admits to being cautious when it first became apparent that AI is taking centre stage and going nowhere. They've adapted to make AI part of product line and now support businesses like SJB Foods in improving efficiencies. Orderlion's Gabriel Van Heerden is quick to point out AI isn't replacing anyone; it's helping businesses adapt and grow in a fast-moving culture. James Berisford from SJB Foods talks about utilising Orderlion's White Label app within their family business, the uptake from their customers and what's it's like with the support of the newly formed The Wholesale Group. Listen now!