With just six weeks until the SWA Achievers Awards, the Scottish Wholesale Association is advising those still to book their place at the prestigious event to do so without delay as the venue – the O2 Academy Edinburgh – attracts a recording number of bookings.

The Achievers Awards have also received record entries for 2023 – the event’s 20^th anniversary year – and the extensive judging process is nearing completion.

Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “There’s a reason that Achievers is stronger than ever after 20 years and that is its relevance to wholesalers the length and breadth of Scotland and its ability to evolve to meet the needs of the Scottish wholesale industry.

“We’re rightly proud of Achievers and the impact it has had on the industry over years, notwithstanding its role in highlighting best practice and innovation within the industry and also recognising the dedicated people who keep its wheels moving.”

The Achievers Awards move to a new venue for 2023 – the premier O2 Academy Edinburgh – meaning that even more people can attend the gala dinner and awards presentation. “The event had outgrown its longstanding venue in the capital, the Sheraton Grand,” said Smith. “We took on board feedback from wholesalers and our sponsors and decided to ring the changes with a new look and venue.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our shortlisted wholesalers, sponsors and other industry figures to Achievers in February.”

While new categories including the Rising Star of Wholesale award and Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year have been introduced in recent years, new for 2023 is Best Local Supplier which reflects the SWA’s ongoing ‘Delivering Growth Through Wholesale’ programme that aims to forge stronger relationships between wholesalers and local food and drink producers, helping to spark new business opportunities and increase the amount of local sourcing among Scottish wholesalers.

As in previous years, the judging process for all categories has been overseen by an independent judging panel to ensure transparency.

The Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards take place on Thursday, 23 February, at the O2 Academy Edinburgh. Places can be booked via the SWA website at www.scottishwholesale.co.uk/achievers/ or by contacting awards@scottishwholesale.co.uk