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25/01/2012FWD CALLS FOR CO-OPERATION TO STAMP OUT DUTY FRAUD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is calling for industry co-operation to prevent the illegal sale of duty-unpaid alcohol on the UK market after a National Audit Office report criticised HMRC for failing to engage the supply chain in tackling the issue. 

In ...

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20/01/2012GOOD START TO 2012 FOR FWD’S CRIME TEAM

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ Criminal Intelligence Database has had an excellent start to the year with four arrests in eight days as a result of collated information passed to the police.

Prompt reporting of incidents and suspicious activity at cash ...

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10/01/2012FWD ANNUAL CONFERENCE - JULY 12

The Annual Federation of Wholesale Distributors' conference takes place at Hotel Russell in central London on July 12 2012.

The event, which includes the HIM wholesale tracker programme unveiling, a drinks reception and dinner, brings together manufacturers, ...

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10/01/2012GOLD MEDALS GO BACK TO BILLINGSGATE

A long-distance date for the diary - FWD's Gold Medal Presentations will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on November 29, 2012.

The former wholesale fish market  was the perfect venue for the 2011 event and its popularity with the 550 guests in attendance ...

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03/01/2012TOBACCO DISPLAY RULES FORCE WHOLESALE CHANGES

FWD has issued guidance on the likely requirements of the new tobacco display regulations in Cash and Carry premises, which come into force in April.

The Department of Health issued its own advice on how the Health Act requirements will be applied in late December, and ...

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07/12/2011ANNUAL REVIEW 2011

FWD's Review of 2011, which sums up the Federation's activities in the past year and lays out plans for 2012, is published today.

Among the achievements of a momentus year were the setting up of the All Party Wholesale Group, a succesful programme of MP engagment ...

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29/11/2011MEMBER ALERT: AUTUMN STATEMENT

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement, presented today, included policy announcements of interest to FWD members.

Download the full document here

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29/11/2011FUEL DUTY FREEZE DRIVES WHOLESALE GROWTH

FWD has welcomed the Government’s decision to defer January’s proposed fuel duty increase, and the announcement of investment in road infrastructure, vehicle technology and skills which will help wholesalers further improve their service to customers.

The 3.02 ...

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28/11/2011BIG NIGHT OUT AT BILLINGSGATE

A short film of the FWD's Gold Medal Awards held on November 24 at Old Billingsgate, London. Thanks to all our sponsors and congratulations to the winners. See you next year!

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25/11/2011WHOLESALE FAMILY CELEBRATES IN STYLE

A family team received the recognition of over 500 of their industry peers as they picked up a special award for their contribution to the wholesale sector at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ Gold Medal Awards in London.

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18/11/2011NET CLOSES ON DUTY FRAUD STORES

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is warning retailers to be on their guard against criminals selling alcohol products to shops, after four independent stores in the same London Street had their licence removed for selling wines and spirits on which UK duty had not been ...

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26/10/2011MINISTER PRAISES WHOLESALERS AT HOUSE OF COMMONS RECEPTION

Food and Agriculture Minister Jim Paice MP praised the “vital if often unseen” role of FWD members at a House of Commons reception to mark the inauguration of the All Party Wholesale Group of MPs and peers.

Mr Paice said the event, which was attended by 130 ...

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19/10/2011WHOLESALERS AND SUPPLIERS CLOSE IN ON GOLD

Voting has now ended for the FWD Gold Medal awards, which are presented on November 24 at Old Billingsgate, London.

Sponsored by Magners, the awards for exceptional service from the wholesale sector include recogntion for individual achievement among depto managers, shop ...

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17/10/2011ASDA’S IRRESPONSIBLE PRICES ARE A GIFT TO SMUGGLERS

Independent retailers must avoid the temptation to buy illegal stocks of beer to compete with supermarkets’ irresponsible promotions, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors ...

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07/10/2011FRAUD CONVICTION IS A DROP IN THE OCEAN

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has congratulated HM Revenue and ...

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30/09/2011THEO RANDALL PUTS THE ICING ON CATERSUMMIT

Former River Cafe Head Chef and partner Theo Randall will be the keynote speaker at Catersummit, the catering and foodservice supply chain conference on October 17-18.

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26/09/2011DUTY STAMPS TO PROTECT BEER RETAILERS

Duty stamps on beer bottles and cans will protect retailers from buying illicit alcohol, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD).

Introducing stamps or fiscal marks to beer products on which UK ...

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25/09/2011TIME TO STAMP OUT FRAUD ON BEER

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) is calling on the Government to introduce duty stamps on beer cans and bottles in order to prevent illegal sales which are costing the Exchequer £800m a year.

The call comes as figures published in HMRC’s ...

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20/09/2011FWD CALLS FOR MINIMUM WAGE RESTRAINT

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has asked the Government to put an immediate freeze on the adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) and to establish a more considered process for assessing future increases. ... read more


08/09/2011FOODSERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN GATHERS AT CATERSUMMIT

The future of independent caterers comes under the spotlight at Catersummit, the foodservice supply chain conference on October 17-18.   The event, which this year bears the title On the Menu: ...

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05/09/2011MINISTER SHOWS SUPPORT FOR FOODSERVICE DISTRIBUTORS

Food Minister Jim Paice MP has underlined the foodservice wholesale sector’s critical role in the food supply chain during a visit to 3663’s ...

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05/09/2011MEMBER UPDATE: SEPTEMBER

 The latest edition of the FWD update for members and associate members can be ... read more


01/09/2011FWD WELCOMES FRAUD PROSECUTIONS

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has praised HM Revenue and Customs for its success in halting an illegal operation which avoided more than £2.3m in duty on alcohol sold in the UK. The owner ...

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26/08/2011FWD HIGHLIGHTS THE HIGH COST OF CHEAP ALCOHOL

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has issued two new advisory posters warning retailers of the dangers of buying alcohol from grey market suppliers.

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10/08/2011CATERSUMMIT PUTS FOODSERVICE ON THE MENU

 

The ...

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10/08/2011FWD CRIMEFIGHTER CALLS FOR INCIDENT REPORTS

 Independent wholesalers need to work together with the larger national operators to stamp out crime against their premises and vehicles, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ Criminal ...

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09/08/2011WHOLESALERS KEEP SUPPLY CHAIN FLOWING AFTER RIOTS

Food and drink wholesalers across the UK are working to provide riot-hit communities in London and other major cities with their essential supplies after this week’s attacks on ...

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04/08/2011GOLD MEDALS EARLY BIRD CLOSES AUGUST 10

Just one week remains to take advantage of the early bird discount for the Federation of Wholesale Distributors' Annual Dinner and Gold Medal Presentations at Old Billingsgate, London on November 24.

...

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01/08/2011ALL PARTY GROUP TO SUPPORT WHOLESALERS

A group of MPs and Peers has come together to represent the interests of the wholesale supply chain in Parliament. The All Parliamentary Party Wholesale Group, which held its inaugural ...

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21/07/2011FWD EVENT BRINGS SUPPLY CHAIN TOGETHER

The combination of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors' Annual Conference and the HIM wholesale unveiling and awards was a hit with delegates, with 200 wholesalers, suppliers, retailers and caterers attending the ...

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15/07/2011FWD PLEDGES TO HOST SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM

Federation of Wholesale Distributors Chairman Chris Etherington told wholesalers and suppliers that they have "a great opportunity to get together" under the FWD banner and work in partnership to support their customers.

Closing the FWD's conference in London, ...

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15/07/2011WHOLESALERS GET THE CUSTOMERS’ VOTE AT FWD CONFERENCE

Palmer and Harvey, Booker, 3663 and Landmark Wholesale were all winners at the him! Wholesale Awards, which were presented as part of the FWD conference.

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14/07/2011FWD CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Powerpoint presentations from the speakers at the FWD Annual Conference and HIM Wholesale Unveiling held at Hotel Russell in London on July 14 2011.

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07/07/2011NOMINATE YOUR WHOLESALE HEROES

 The deadline for nominations for the 2011 FWD Gold Medals is August 10.

The annual celebration of the outstanding ...

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30/06/2011FWD - SUPPORTING THE SUPPLY CHAIN

A short film to illustrate the promotional work done by the Federation of Wholesale Distributors on behalf of its members and their customers to introduce Ministers, MPs, peers and the public to the value of the ...

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24/06/2011 CHUKA UMUNNA TO ADDRESS FWD CONFERENCE

Chuka Umunna, the Shadow Minister for Small Business and Innovation, has joined the line up of speakers at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ conference on July 14. The Labour MP for Streatham leads for the ...

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14/06/2011 RETAILERS TO NAME THEIR WHOLESALE HEROES

A poll of more than 6000 retailers and caterers will reveal the customers’ favourite supply chain partners in a special awards ceremony at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD)’s Annual Conference ...

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03/06/2011MPS, SUPPLIERS AND WHOLESALERS BACK INDIES’ WEEK IN THE SUN

National Independents Week, the annual celebration of the contribution to communities made by local shops, has seen stores across the country receive the My Shop is Your Shop Gold Award for community ...

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01/06/2011FWD CONFERENCE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

The line-up for this year's Federation of Wholesale Distributors' Annual conference, which takes place at Hotel Russell in central London on July 14, is announced today.

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12/05/2011MPS SHOW SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENTS

 An impressive list of parliamentary heavyweights is adding its support to the My Shop is Your Shop (MSYS) campaign, which invites MPs to experience for themselves the community ties and customer service offered by ...

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05/05/2011LEAFLET RAISES CRIME AWARENESS

The security committee of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors has issued a leaflet warning cash and carry customers to be aware of the threat of theft from their vehicles while on FWD members’ premises. ...

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27/04/2011 FWD WARNS OF RISE IN TOBACCO THEFT

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has welcomed the government’s renewed strategy for tackling tobacco smuggling but has warned that appropriate resources must be put into ...

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20/04/2011MEMBER BRIEFING: HEALTH AND SAFETY

An update on proposed changes to health and safety legislation of interest and concern to FWD members. 

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11/04/2011BIG NAMES BACK SMALL STORES FOR INDEPENDENTS’ WEEK

 Suppliers and wholesalers are showing their support for independent retailers with a series of promotional offers to mark National Independents’ Week, May 29-June 4.

... read more


01/04/2011 BUDGET BOOST FOR DUTY FRAUD CAMPAIGN

Last week’s Budget and new powers introduced today have underlined the Government’s commitment to cracking down on alcohol duty fraud, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD). ...

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30/03/2011SUPPLY CHAIN SHARES SECRETS OF SUCCESS

 A new event is bringing together the brightest talents from wholesalers, retailers, caterers and big name retail brands in a single day conference and awards presentation.... read more


23/03/2011FWD WELCOMES FUEL DUTY BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

...

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18/03/2011MY SHOP IS YOUR SHOP AWARD LIGHTS UP BROADWAY

The My Shop is Your Shop campaign launched in style last week with the first in a series of visits by MPs to great local stores.

Staff at the Nisa Local store in Broadway were presented with a ...

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17/03/2011GOLD MEDAL WINNERS GET A BIGGER NIGHT OUT

This year's FWD Gold Medal Awards ceremony may be months away, but the event - held this year in the former wholesale market at Billingsgate on the banks of the Thames in London - already has a full complement of ...

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17/03/2011 FUEL COST RISES WILL HURT COMMUNITIES, SAYS FWD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) is urging Chancellor George Osborne to scrap the increase in fuel duty planned for next week’s Budget and is backing Labour’s call for a ...

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10/03/2011 FWD WARNS OF CLAMPDOWN ON COUNTERFEITS

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has warned retailers of the dangers of dealing with unknown suppliers of alcoholic products, following HM Revenue and Customs ...

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10/03/2011TOP WHOLESALE NAMES TAKE THE STAGE AT FWD CONFERENCE

The FWD's Annual Conference and him! Wholesale Awards takes place on July 14 at Hotel Russell in London, ... read more


22/02/2011 MIDLANDS MP TAKES TOUR OF BOOKER

Daventry MP Christopher Heaton-Harris has visited the Northampton branch of Booker to see for himself the contribution the wholesaler makes to the vitality of small businesses in his ...

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21/02/2011PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR FWD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 FWD Annual Conference: Strategies for Growth

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18/02/2011NEW LOOK MY SHOP IS YOUR SHOP PUTS COMMUNITY STORES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) relaunches its My Shop is Your Shop campaign this month with a new look and a stronger focus on promoting the value of independent stores, both to potential ...

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18/02/2011DUTY DRAWBACK FRAUD IS "STAGGERING" SAYS FWD

 The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is calling for the immediate withdrawal of HMRC’s excise duty ‘drawback’ regime on at-risk alcohol products after the ...

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17/02/2011 FWD CALLS FOR REALISTIC ALCOHOL COST DEFINITION

The Government must urgently review its definition of ‘below cost’ for alcoholic products, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), after it was revealed that the proposal of a minimum price of ...

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15/02/2011 STICK TO TRUSTED SOURCES TO AVOID COUNTERFEIT STOCK

Independent off licences should always buy their wines and spirits from reliable sources, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), after reports that up to a ...

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10/02/2011NO MEASURE OF ILLICIT WINE TRADE IN UK

  More than 1.8 million litres of illicit wine have been seized by HMRC and the UK Borders Authority since the ‘Tackling Alcohol Fraud’ strategy was introduced in April 2010, the ...

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31/01/2011 FWD ACTS ON CRIME AGAINST WHOLESALERS

A new database of criminal activity against wholesalers will help to secure a fundamental change in police and government policy on theft from commercial premises and vehicles.... read more


24/01/2011 MP BACKS LOCAL SHOPS TO PROSPER

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson showed his support ...

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21/01/2011SCOTTISH WHOLESALERS SAVED FROM TOBACCO REGISTRATION

Action by the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has prevented wholesalers in Scotland from having to sign up to a national register if they sell tobacco ...

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18/01/2011FWD SLAMS MISSED OPPORTUNITY ON BELOW COST SALES

The Government has missed an opportunity to impose a realistic ban on ... read more


14/01/2011FWD AIMS HIGH WITH STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2011

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has launched the most intensive public affairs programme in its history, which will see its members’ interests represented at the very highest levels of ...

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13/01/2011 TWO FOR ONE OFFER ON CONFERENCE AND AWARDS

The two unmissable dates in the wholesale distribution trade’s calendar will come together in 2011 to give attendees a value-for-money single day event including a conference, dinner and awards ceremony. ...

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12/01/2011NEW HOME FOR GOLD MEDAL DINNER

The FWD Annual Dinner and Gold Medal Awards presentation is going back to the industry’s roots with a move to a new venue on November 24. This year’s event ...

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12/01/2011 PARFETT’S VISIT LAUNCHES MP INITIATIVE

Sheffield MP Clive Betts has visited his local Parfett’s cash and carry depot in the first of an FWD programme of events intended to introduce MPs to the wholesale sector and the service it provides. ...

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08/12/2010 FWD WELCOMES HMRC ACTION ON ALCOHOL DUTY FRAUD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has praised HM Customs and Revenue (HMRC) for its action today on tackling suspected alcohol duty fraud, which saw twenty arrests made in dawn raids in the South East and the ...

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06/12/2010 “WE’RE GETTING THROUGH,” FWD TELLS BBC NEWS

FWD chief executive James Bielby said last week’s severe weather conditions had shown the public the value of local shops and their distribution partners in an interview on BBC Television on December 3rd.
... read more


03/12/2010WHOLESALE ASSOCIATIONS TO SHARE EXECUTIVES' EXPERIENCE

 The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) and the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) have announced their intention to work closely together, with the chief executives of each organisation joining the ...

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03/12/2010 WHOLESALERS KEEP THE SHOPS STOCKED DESPITE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES

Members of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors are ensuring the nation’s independent retailers and caterers remain stocked with food and drink despite the weather conditions, but are disappointed in the lack ...

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30/11/2010 DUTY RISE WILL INCREASE ALCOHOL FRAUD, SAY WHOLESALERS

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has warned that the Government’s intention to introduce an additional duty on ‘super strength’ beers ...

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29/11/2010DEPOT STAFF SHARE WHOLESALE GOLD

Depot managers, floor workers and delivery drivers received the appreciation of the wholesale industry at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ Gold Medal Awards at The Savoy in London on November ...

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29/11/2010FWD GOLD MEDALS FOR SUPPLIERS

The FWD Gold Medals for suppliers are voted for by the members of the Federation and were presented at The Savoy on November 25. A report of the evening can be found ... read more


29/11/2010WHOLESALE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS REVEALED

The FWD Gold Medals for the wholesale industry were presented at The Savoy on November 25. A report of the evening can be found ... read more


26/11/2010 P&H’S ETHERINGTON TO CHAIR FWD COUNCIL

 Palmer & Harvey chief executive Chris Etherington is the new Chairman of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD)’s Council of Members.

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19/11/2010PHIL SMITH STEPS DOWN AS FWD CHAIRMAN

 Phil Smith, managing director of Musgrave Retail Partners GB, has announced today that he is leaving the company and will therefore also step down as Chairman of the FWD council of ...

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29/10/2010FWD WARNS RETAILERS: DUTY FRAUD STOCK COULD CLOSE YOU DOWN

Independent retailers who buy cheap alcoholic products from illegitimate wholesalers are putting their business at risk as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) adds ...

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21/10/2010 FWD CONGRATULATES COALITION ON DUTY FRAUD INVESTMENT

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has applauded the ...

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11/10/2010FWD WARNS OF AFFECT OF SPENDING CUTS ON TACKLING FRAUD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has written to the Treasury ahead of next week’s Spending Review to express concern at the proposed budget and staffing ...

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29/09/2010FWD ADDS COMMUNICATIONS ROLE

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has appointed David Visick to the new post of Director of Communications, a role created to help ...

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22/06/2010TAX RISES WILL HIT WHOLESALE SECTOR AND RECOVERY

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has welcomed the announcement in today's Budget that Excise Duties for alcohol and tobacco will not be increased, but the FWD's Chief Executive, James Bielby, has spoken out against the increase in VAT which is due to take place from 4 ...

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02/06/2010BAN ALCOHOL SALES BELOW INVOICE PRICE, SAYS FWD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is calling for the Government ban alcohol sales below invoice price when it implements its pledge to prohibit the sale below cost alcohol.

FWD chief executive James Bielby said: "The Federation of Wholesale Distributors supports the ...

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26/05/2010"DON'T DAMAGE GROWTH", FWD TELLS CHANCELLOR

The Federation of Wholesale distributors is calling for George Osborne to create an environment which creates sustained economic growth for the wholesale distribution sector in his Emergency Budget on June 22.

In its submission to the new Chancellor the FWD urges the Government ...

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12/05/2010FWD LOOKS FOR POSITIVE IMPACT OF NEW COALITION

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has welcomed the new coalition Government, after days of uncertainty over who would form the next Government.

James Bielby, FWD chief executive, said: "FWD members will be interested to see how the coalition Government and the policies ...

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12/05/2010PHIL SMITH ELECTED FWD CHAIRMAN

Musgrave Retail Partners GB managing director Phil Smith has been elected chairman of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors at its annual general meeting.

Mr Smith, who has been a member of the FWD Council of members since 2008, takes over from Francis Ball, who has been in ...

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10/02/2010FWD'S RADICAL SOLUTIONS ON DUTY FRAUD PRAISED BY TREASURY

Treasury minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry has praised the FWD's "radical" proposals to clamp down on the ongoing problem of duty fraud on alcohol.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on alcohol fraud, tabled on FWD's behalf by Paul Rowen MP, Ms McCarthy-Fry said: "The FWD has made ...

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