Talking Wholesale: We must move forward together

As we head towards the end of strict lockdown measures, Gregor Wylie, Managing Director of Adamsons Drinks, has these words of wisdom for hospitality businesses

It’s been a long winter and as we move into spring, there is real hope that there is light at the end of a difficult tunnel.

Lockdown has forced many businesses to close doors and pack away kitchens, but with the roll-out of vaccines and infection rates decreasing, it looks likely that hospitality will be able to fire up its engines once again.

My advice to all businesses, in hospitality and beyond, is that post-lockdown there will be plenty of opportunity, but it will involve hard work and humility every step of the way.

1

Lockdown has meant fast forwarding the way we do business. We’ve all had to adapt to new ways of working, new ways of communication and doing things differently is now the norm. If you haven’t already embraced technology such as apps, social media or online ordering for your customers, now is the time. Things won’t return to how they were and you don’t want to be left behind.

2

Expectation will be high from your customers as they emerge from lockdown. As so many businesses have come up with fantastically creative ideas to keep the tills ringing, customers have come to expect this level of service and innovation. From offering exciting new products to ‘at home’ solutions, it won’t be enough to return to your pre-lockdown offer – customers will demand more.

3

Everyone has experienced enormous pressure over the past year and worry, anxiety and anger can easily rise to the surface. Remember, we are in this together and we will be most successful when we work together and support each other with patience and kindness. Humility will take us a long way, as well as understanding that right now, no one has all the answers and we’re all trying our best.

Adamsons Drinks is a family-run wholesaler based in Dunfermline, Fife, specialising in soft drinks, snacks and confectionery.