Funding boost for Scottish wholesalers

Wholesalers have received welcome reassurance after the Scottish Government promised funding during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A £45 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund has been made available to food and drink wholesalers that haven’t been able to get what they needed by current business support measures.

The fund will be managed by the enterprise agencies and opens at the end of April, with funds being distributed in early May.

The scheme’s announcement revealed it would support “vulnerable SME firms, which are vital to the local or national economic foundations of Scotland”.

The news was welcomed by SWA Chief Executive Colin Smith, who believes the fund provides much-needed relief for wholesalers negatively impacted by coronavirus.

“We’re delighted that the critical role being played by Scotland’s wholesale sector and the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our industry is being recognised by the Scottish Government,” said Smith.

“This is lifeline support for our sector in unprecedented times which have seen some SWA members lose substantial income following the closure of pubs, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses.

“Officials have told us grants will be available to wholesalers employing under 250 people and we would urge our members to put in an application.”

Colin Smith coronavirus covid-19 Government Scotland SWA wholesale