Buying group Confex has restructured its business into two dedicated divisions – retail and foodservice – to provide the “best possible support” for its members as it pushes ahead with its growth strategy.
The move comes after the group doubled its turnover since the pandemic, with it now representing more than 12% of the UK wholesale sector.
“Confex has always celebrated its diverse range of wholesale members, servicing all product categories with a focus on local independent customers,” said CEO Tom Gittins.
“These changes will provide us with a clear and dedicated focus for both our retail and our foodservice members which, in turn, supports our growth plans. As our turnover has grown from £1.97bn to £3.46bn in the past four years, we are confident that this change in structure will ready us for future growth and enable us to hit our target of becoming a £4bn buying group by 2027.”
Confex noted that one of the key drivers for the restructuring has been the success of its dedicated retail and foodservice committees that were introduced in 2022. These committees comprise key members who meet monthly to discuss Confex’s strategic pillars across trading, technology, marketing, own brand, distribution, execution and operations.
As a result of the restructuring, former senior business development manager Kirsty Winkel has been promoted to the newly created position of retail controller. She will oversee the retail division of the group, while foodservice controller Matt Norman will oversee the foodservice and out-of-home division.
NAM Implications:
- The business, and its appeal to suppliers…
- …has to benefit from dedicated divisions for retail and foodservice (whilst retaining much of the buying muscle of the overall company).
- Eventually, different profit profiles will emerge…
- …as Confex decides on an optimum blend of the two business models.
- Meanwhile, suppliers will decide on the extent to which each division compares with Confex rivals.
