Morrisons has launched a new programme called ‘Growing British Brands’ which aims to offer local entrepreneurs a fast-tracked route to selling their products nationally.
The scheme will give businesses the opportunity to sell their products in all 497 Morrisons stores as well as listings in other parts of its business including its website and wholesale channels like Amazon. The supermarket will also offer promotional plans and “favourable payment terms” to help these firms scale up.
Morrisons has assembled a team of experts to find brands with “game-changing, innovative products” that may need help expanding. Successful applicants to the programme will be offered advice and support covering every aspect of retailing, from production to packaging and marketing and logistics.
Entrepreneurs with products ranging from food and drink to beauty and homewares can apply to the ‘Growing British Brands’ scheme via the retailer’s website.
The group stated that it was launching the formal programme following a strong response to a recent call to arms from Morrisons CEO, David Potts, who encouraged British entrepreneurs with the next big thing to get in touch.
“There are thousands of people with great ideas, but getting them to market at scale is often a long, risky and complicated process,” said Potts.
“Morrisons started with just one shop over 100 years ago and is now one of Britain’s biggest retailers. We know and understand the entrepreneurial spirit and want to play our full part in helping the next generation of British brands quickly reach national distribution.
“For too long, small businesses have lacked the opportunity and perhaps confidence to scale up a great idea capable of supplying hundreds of stores at serious volumes. We hope that this programme can provide the support, guidance and confidence for great brands with great products to lift their horizons, to think big and to reach new customers all around Great Britain.”
Food Minister Victoria Prentis added: “Our manifesto was clear that we want people, both at home and abroad, to be lining up to buy British. The ‘Growing British Brands’ programme will boost small businesses, encouraging them to scale up and reach thousands of potential new customers.”
Morrisons launched its Local Foodmakers programme in 2017, which generated 1,300 local products. The new programme aims to uncover those suppliers who have the ability to be stocked in the retailer’s stores nationwide.
NAM Implications:
- A win-win for each party…
- Besides giving Morrisons first refusal re ideas that work.
- A no brainer…
