Asim Sarwar, managing director of the Glasgow-based United Wholesale (Scotland) group, has been confirmed as the new president of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), succeeding George Benson.

Sarwar, at 31 the youngest ever SWA president, will take up the position at the trade association's annual conference at Crieff (14-16 June). United Wholesale (Scotland) operates two cash and carries - at Maxwell Road in Glasgow's south side and Queenslie in the east of the city - and has enjoyed a long association with the trade association. Ali Afsar, the wholesaler's buying controller (grocery and non-food), is a member of the SWA Council.

"This is a tremendous honour for me and United Wholesale (Scotland)," said Sarwar. "It's an important position that carries considerable responsibility, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and following in the illustrious footsteps of George Benson who has been a diligent and forward-thinking president.

"During his three years as president, George has brought lots of new ideas to the table, including our groundbreaking Mentoring Programme designed to improve skills and nurture emerging talent within the Scottish wholesale industry. I look forward to further developing this excellent training initiative and, in due course, introducing some ideas of my own.

"I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank George for his hard work and commitment to the Association, and wish him well for the future."

Sarwar added: "I am also looking forward to working with Kate Salmon, our executive director, who works tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of our members and the wider wholesale industry in Scotland. Without Kate's exceptional drive and commitment, our key events - the Annual Conference and Scottish Wholesale Achievers - would not be so successful."

Commenting on Asim Sarwar's appointment, Benson said: "I am delighted to be handing over the reins to such an enthusiastic, young wholesaler. Asim will be an articulate and effective figurehead for the SWA as we continue to lobby Government on key issues affecting the wholesale industry, develop relevant training programmes and help our members' businesses become more profitable.

"Working with Kate Salmon and the Council, Asim will ensure that the SWA's views on the legislative and legal compliance issues that directly affect our businesses are heard. I wish him well in the role."