The shops will typically have floorspace between 1,500 and 3,000 sq ft, around two-thirds of which will be devoted to groceries. After a 12-month trial partnership with Select & Save, the company has decided to go solo in a bid to rival the likes of Londis, Costcutter and Spar. Joint managing director Matthew Hughes said: “It’s fair to say that while working with Select &…

Fisher will retain his spirits and tobacco buying responsibilities, expanding his role from April 8. Steve Wallace will continue to buy all beer, lager and cider, but will now report to Fisher, who joined the retailer in 2004. Mark Williamson, BWS head of buying, said: “Giles’s new role will ensure that we continue seeking out high quality, local and unusual lines, across both beers and…

No official statement had been made as OLN went to press about his departure. Gaskell took the hot seat in 2003, having been promoted from finance director after the company – then known as Cellar 5 – was bought by Maryland Securities. Gaskell presided over another operating loss in the year to Jan 29 2006, according to accounts filed with Companies House at the end…

After more than a decade working for Bottoms Up, Richard Hipkin decided he was sick of working for other people and bought himself a dilapidated Londis corner shop with a run-down off-licence. He put in a whole new wine range, made the shop look more open and has increased takings eight-fold . What changes have you made to the shop? When we opened in 2001…

l Tanners’ small chain of shops may be mainly in the west of England, but the business also operates nationally as a wholesaler and sells to customers throughout the UK via its well-established website. It is a 165-year-old business which, according to private sales director Robert Boutflower, experienced some tough times during the 1970s and 1980s. Tanners turned its fortunes around by reducing the number…

Masters of Wine Justin Howard-Sneyd, Dee Blackstock, Julian Brind, Becky Hull and Susan McCraith joined 180 Waitrose wine specialists in South Africa to film the 30-second TV ad. Wine buying manager Howard-Sneyd said: “Waitrose wine expertise is present at every level of the supply chain – from choosing the wine in the vineyard to selling in our branches. Customers can now see for themselves how…