In order to thrive and survive in 2020, retailers have had to diversify by investing in new technology, making the right hiring decisions and improving logistics. This is where our experienced advisors at Business Gateway can help you and your retail business. Our free support and advice covers all aspects including business strategy, marketing and HR.
These resources have been selected to provide information on the Retail & Wholesale industry in Scotland. Your local Business Gateway office can help you connect with other organisations and support networks to help you further your idea or business.
The go-to trade association for all Scotland's retailers, promoting the story of retail, shaping debates and influencing the issues that matter to the industry.
The Scottish Wholesaling Association (SWA) is the official trade association for Scotland’s food & drink wholesaling businesses.
The Association of Convenience Stores is the voice of over 33,500 local shops, supporting our members through effective lobbying, comprehensive advice and innovative networking opportunities.
The NFRN was founded in 1919 and is one of Europe’s largest employers’ associations with over 15,000 independent retailers in membership throughout the UK and Ireland.
SGF is the national trade association for the convenience store industry in Scotland. It is the authoritative voice for the industry to both policy makers and the media.
The British Florist Association was founded 100 years ago as the independent trade association for the UK floristry industry and a non-profit organisation.
The Flowers & Plants Association was formed in 1984. We are the UK's promotional organisation for all commercially grown cut flowers and indoor plants.
Produced by a team with years of industry experience, The Florist aims to inspire and inform with a mix of in-depth business features, fabulous design ideas and all the latest industry news.
The Federation of Bakers represents the interests of the UK’s largest baking companies who manufacture sliced and wrapped bread, bakery snacks and other bread products.
Scottish Bakers was established in 1891 and since then it has represented and promoted the interests of the bakery trade in Scotland.
The BFJA provides a focal point for knowledge-sharing, networking, up-skilling and resource-sharing amongst businesses working in the juice industry.
The British Soft Drinks Association represents UK producers of soft drinks, including carbonated drinks, still and dilutable drinks, fruit juices and bottled waters.
At the heart of the fine food world since 1995, the Guild supports and promotes speciality food producers and the independent delis, farm shops and food halls that sustain them.
Quality Meat Scotland's core function is to work with the Scottish red meat industry to improve its efficiency and profitability and to maximise its contribution to Scotland's economy.
Representing the food and drink manufacturing industry in Scotland.
Industry specific advice whatever your food business type.
The Bicycle Association of Great Britain is the national body representing the bicycle industry in the United Kingdom.
The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is the largest cycle trade organisation in the UK and has been promoting cycling for over 100 years.
Cycling Scotland is the nation’s cycling organisation. Working with others, we help create and deliver opportunities and an environment so anyone anywhere in Scotland can cycle easily and safely.
The British Fashion Council is committed to developing excellence and growth in a sector that is a significant contributor to the British economy. We nurture, support and promote British fashion talent to a global market.
UKFT is the most inclusive British network for fashion and textile companies, bringing together 2,500 designers, manufacturers, agents and retailers to promote their businesses and our industry in the UK and throughout the world.
The NCWA works on behalf of the whole of the childrenswear industry. It is committed to helping its members build their businesses and ensures that their voices are heard.
The ASBCI is a unique association in that our members represent connections with and knowledge of all the key sectors of the industry.
We’re proud to represent thousands of members across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, to large department stores and agricultural dealerships.
The BOSS (British Office Supplies and Services) Federation is the authoritative body for the UK office products industry. We are a non-profit making organisation and do not pursue any economic or political objectives of our own, concentrating our efforts on playing a strategic role in the support, promotion and protection of the office products industry.
The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) maintains regular dialogue with Government and other influential stakeholders to ensure that all policies and initiatives support a thriving furniture, furnishings and bed sector.
The Giftware Association (the GA) is a national trade representative body and is the only UK trade association serving the gift and home industry.
The NAJ is the UK’s leading jewellery trade association.
Contemporary jewellery is one of the most dynamic and innovative areas of 21st century craft and design, that inspires and appeals to people of all different backgrounds. We welcome anyone with an interest in contemporary jewellery. Whether your interest is personal or professional, we have something to offer you.
Contemporary British Silversmiths is the leading association for contemporary silver in the United Kingdom. It is a membership organisation set up to inspire creativity and promote excellence in design and craftsmanship to new audiences nationally and internationally.
Craft Scotland is the national development agency supporting makers and promoting craft.
The Jewellery Distributors' Association is a non-profit-making trade body, within the British Allied Trades Federation, specialising in supporting the activities of those who wholesale, distribute, import and export precious and fashion jewellery, accessories, watches, clocks and other items to the Jewellery and Allied Trades.
The Baby Products Association (BPA) was established in 1945. It was set up with the objectives of promoting the baby and nursery products sector in both the UK and Europe.
UK Hospitality is the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector – covering everything from bars, coffee shops, contract catering, hotels, nightclubs, visitor attractions and other leisure venues.
We represent UK coffee to foster a favourable environment for all aspects of the industry and its culture to thrive.
The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association represents those businesses where sandwiches form a core part of the Food To Go offer.
Helping businesses across Scotland with free advice, workshops, 1:1 expert support, online tools, guides and a quick healthcheck to assess your digital strengths and weaknesses.
Guidance on the policies and interventions in place to support Scottish SMEs.
Healthy Working Lives is the place to come to if you are an employer in Scotland looking for workplace health, safety and wellbeing information.
Support agency for the Northern regions of Scotland which focusses on Innovation, trading internationally, funding/investment, skills development and more.
Focussed on assisting businesses who are looking to accelerate and grow through exporting, developing products and services, funding and business development.
From innovative technology start-ups and global online service businesses that are transforming our lives to the universities that train our skilled people, ScotlandIS has developed a thriving membership and community for the economic benefit of everyone.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills body. They contribute to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth by supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills.
Loans from 25K to 100K for new and growing Scottish SMEs.
Grants to nurture creative talent in young people aged between 14 and 20 years old.
Support, funding, campaigns and other interventions to help people and businesses reduce waste and be more efficient with resources.
Funding projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK.
Just Enterprise is a consortium formed from Scotland's key social enterprise support agencies. Collectively, they are able to provide expert Start Up, Business Support, Business Recovery, Procurement, Leadership and Learning Services, to third sector organisations across the length and breadth of the country.
Every young person should have the chance to succeed. PTS help young people in Scotland get into education, jobs and start businesses.
Search this website to find out about what other business support may be available to you.
Led by Women’s Enterprise Scotland this centre is to help women achieve their business aspirations, make connections, up-skill and get support.