Confectionery wholesaler’s offering sweetened with revamped online platforms

About the business

Launched in 1979, Montrose-based Taylor Wholesale has over 40 years’ experience in the wholesale of snacks, confectionery and soft drinks to the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, extending from Aberdeen to Dundee. 

How Business Gateway has helped

Support from Business Gateway stimulated new business ideas and was instrumental in establishing a longer-term strategy. After receiving advice from his dedicated adviser, Martyn and the manager of Taylor Wholesale, Jamie Bowick, helped move the business away from solely Business to Business transactions and opened the company’s depot to the public, meaning an overhaul to the wholesaler’s digital offering was in order.  

The pair accessed a suite of DigitalBoost services, including webinars and a full Digital HealthCheck, to develop Taylor Wholesale’s online presence. The business also received DigitalBoost grant funding, which was used to update its outdated ordering system – which they had used for over 40 years – to a bespoke management system. 

Skills developed through DigitalBoost also helped Taylor Wholesale enhance its social media presence through competitions, which helped boost the company’s Facebook following from around 800 to over 3000.  

Martyn Simpson, Taylor Wholesale, said: “I have worked within the family business for 25 years and the last year has been the hardest period that we have ever experienced. However, we were determined to make the most out of a bad situation.  

“Thanks to Business Gateway support and funding through DigitalBoost, we know that our customers can now order something with ease, and we are confident we can deliver to them quickly and efficiently.” 

Through Business Gateway, Taylor Wholesale was also able to access an interest-free SME loan approved by Zero Waste Scotland to install solar panels on the roof of their warehouse. This has developed Taylor Wholesale’s green aspirations and helped the business make further progress with their sustainability journey.  

Michelle Shepherd, Business Gateway adviser, said: “The implications of the pandemic had extreme effects on Taylor Wholesale, a small family-owned business, but they were determined to see the silver lining of the situation.  

“We will continue to support Martyn as part of Business Gateway’s growth services programme, and I look forward to seeing what Taylor Wholesale do next.”