M315907 Fuego PMP
M315912 Intense Nacho PMP
M318544 Smokin BBQ PMP
M315909 Blue Heat PMP
In this issue…
Budgens reveals a first glimpse of its exciting brand refresh ahead of a wider rollout later this year.
Inspiring community stories from Budgens stores.
The Booker Dragon Boat Race 2026 makes waves, generating hundreds of thousands of pounds for the industry charity.
Aaron Thiru’s new Budgens store in Springfield, Kent, is taking his business to new heights.
Uncork wine’s full-bodied potential with the Budgens Wine Festival – back for 2026.
Scoot’s 2026 Retailer Conference delivers - with inspiring
Booker’s Wine Category Manager Loris Gruarin talks us though the grape opportunity that is wine!
A rousing update from the Disability at Booker Network, now in its second year.
Experienced convenience retailer Aaron Thiru is “taking things to the next level” with the opening of an inspiring new Budgens store in the
of Springfield in Kent.
Welcome: Stewart Fenn and Martyn Parkinson
THE HEAT IS
Summer’s here and Budgens has everything you need to help drive your footfall, sales and profits to hot new heights.
is on!
Temperatures are rising and this issue of Your Budgens provides an equally hot read – so grab yourself a glass of something cool, sit down, and soak up the sizzling showcase of insight, innovation and inspiration that’s simmering inside.
The issue opens with a sneak peek of Budgens’ exciting brand refresh ahead of a full reveal later in the year.
Key components from the refreshed Budgens concept are currently being trialled in Roli Ranger’s new Budgens store in Ascot, Berkshire.
Roli and the Budgens team have done a fantastic job and we’ve no doubt that the many new initiatives, look and feel will future-proof the Budgens brand for years to come.
Bags more detail will be revealed in the next issue of Your Budgens – so keep your eyes peeled!
As summer rolls in, so too does the Budgens Wine Festival, back for 2026 and packed with a plentiful press of new products, Group Exclusives and amazing value deals that are sure to help drive footfall, sales and profits for stores.
This issue also features an insightful interview with Booker’s Wine Category Manager Loris Gruarin, who devotes his days to helping your wine sales bear fruit.
Our review of the recent Scoot Retailer Conference is another
must-read as the home delivery opportunity continues to grow, opening up a whole new audience to Booker retailers.
Did you know that 80% of customers ordering via the Scoot app had never previously shopped in-store?
There’s also a rousing update from the Disability at Booker Colleague Network. Now in its second year, Disability at Booker continues to make great strides towards its aim of reaching as many colleagues as possible and embedding disability confidence across the business.
And as ever, this issue of Your Budgens also features a sunny mix of inspirational retailer interviews and heartwarming examples of community care.
There’s also bags of news, views, new products and advice on helpful services – all designed to help you make more and save more this summer and beyond.
It’s going to be a scorcher!
Stewart Fenn, Director of Retail Customer Proposition & Forecourt Sales
Martyn Parkinson, Director of Retail Sales
Budgens offers a first look at its fresh new face
Budgens r
l New brand logo and colour palette
l New fascia, window graphics and welcome panel
l New internal hero signage highlighting key zones: The Kitchen, The Cellar and Good to Go
l New bay-end headers and perimeter signage
l Newly designed full POS kit
l New store layout and flow
l Enhanced ‘Good to Go’ offer
l Enhanced fresh food offer
Budgens has revealed a first glimpse of its brand refresh ahead of a full reveal later in the year.
Key components of the refreshed Budgens concept are currently being trialled in independent retailer Roli Ranger’s new Budgens store in Ascot, Berkshire.
Roli’s store, which had traded as a Londis for more than 30 years, recently reopened as a Budgens following a transformative development in spring 2026. The refit included extending the shop floor by 500sq ft to allow for the creation of a much larger fresh and chilled range, as well as the expansion of key categories including food to go and BWS.
After opening in March, Roli and the Budgens team are currently testing and trialling the new concepts ahead of a wider rollout in Q2.
The striking new store features a new brand logo and a refreshed colour palette, delivering a more modern look while staying true to Budgens’ heritage.
Externally, the store is supported by a new fascia, new window graphics and a new-look welcome panel.
Inside, shoppers’ attention is immediately captured by illuminated ‘hero signage’ that clearly highlights key zoned areas such as The Kitchen, The Cellar, Good to Go and Flowers & Gifts.
The store also features a new layout and flow, with adjacencies geared towards ‘today’s shoppers’.
Located at the front of the store, the enhanced ‘Good to Go’ zone showcases a wide range of food and drinks to go, including freshly baked croissants, pastries and cakes, plus hot and cold self-serve drinks. These are displayed on accessible low-level fixtures to facilitate ‘grab and go’ missions.
‘The Kitchen’, meanwhile, offers a wide range of freshly prepared and made-to-order meal solutions for shoppers to take away.
From bacon baps to pizzas, samosas, filled croissants, focaccia sandwiches, salad pots, smash burgers and more, The Kitchen caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner occasions.
New bay-end headers and perimeter signage around the store also help to signpost key categories and support the customer journey.
The store is also being supported by a newly designed POS kit covering four-weekly promotions and footfall-driving deals such as Fresh 4, Butchers Special and Essentials, including the Frozen Meal Deal.
Commenting on the new store, Roli told Your Budgens: “This has been a fantastic collaboration, and I think the end result is phenomenal. We’ve really taken it to the next level with this concept store.
“The reaction from shoppers has been incredible –they can’t believe the transformation, and it’s being so well received across the board: from school kids to elderly shoppers, tradesmen to affluent families and everyone else in between.
“The whole vibe of the store has changed. There’s a real buzz on the shop floor now. Shoppers are really enjoying the experience the store offers them. They’re taking the time to browse the full offer and, best of all, they’re telling their friends and family about it.
“We’re seeing so many new faces every day and they all say the same thing: ‘wow’.”
Stewart Fenn added: “Roli and the Budgens team have done a fantastic job and Ascot is finished to an extremely high standard. Footfall has increased and initial sales are really encouraging, particularly across fresh-led categories and overall basket spend is up. Lots of Booker customers have visited the new store which has generated lots of interest and positive feedback. The new initiatives and look & feel will future proof the Budgens brand for years to come.”
Industry News
Exchange For Change has confirmed the fees to be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme.
DRS operator fees confirmed
Exchange For Change has confirmed the fees to be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ahead of its launch in October 2027.
The Return Handling Fee (RHF) will operate on a tiered basis across manual and automatic return points, covering a range of return volumes.
Following industry consultation, the fees have been set at 3p per container for manual return points.
For automatic return points using a reverse vending machine (RVM), the structure is split into two tiers: 5p per container for up to 225,000 in-scope items returned annually, and 1.3p per container for volumes above that threshold.
The structure is designed to reflect differences in store size and return volumes across the UK retail landscape, from small convenience stores handling lower volumes manually through to larger operators using reverse
vending machines.
The RHF will be reviewed ahead of launch and on an annual basis thereafter, using operational data from producers and retailers to refine assumptions and ensure the scheme remains balanced.
The confirmation of the handling fee follows Exchange For Change’s proposal of a £6,000 grant to help small, independent retailers cover the upfront costs of installing an RVM. The funding would sit alongside the RHF and be paid in three annual instalments of £2,000.
However, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns that some retailers may not be able to cover their costs if they host an RVM.
ACS modelling indicates that the fixed costs of providing an RVM are likely to exceed £10,000 annually.
This means retailers would need to see returns of at least 4,000 containers a week, or 208,000 a year, to break even.
Flat 20p deposit value for DRS confirmed
Exchange For Change has confirmed that a flat 20p deposit will be applied to all in-scope containers when the scheme launches in October 2027.
The 20p deposit will be applied to all single-use drinks in PET plastic, steel and aluminium containers between 150ml and three litres at the point of purchase, and will be fully refundable to consumers when the containers are returned.
Exchange For Change CEO Russell Davies said: “The deposit value is a pivotal part of how the Deposit Return Scheme will work in practice. That’s why we’ve engaged widely with industry, undertaken extensive market research and indepth analysis on how schemes work in other countries. This work has identified that a flat 20p deposit is the most proportionate and sustainable amount for the UK.”
THE UK’S NO.1 WATER BRAND
and Sales Value (£s), 52wks to 21/03/2026 WE DRAW OUR WATER FROM UNDERGROUND
International e-commerce boom fuels parcel services demand
Out-of-home parcel collection points continue to grow in importance as international e-commerce builds.
With nearly half (45%) of UK consumers having purchased goods from international online retailers in the past 12 months, the role of out-of-home parcel collection points is growing in importance, Collect+ has claimed.
The parcel firm revealed that the popularity of international e-commerce has placed significant pressure on UK delivery networks and, while home delivery remains the preferred option for 81% of international shoppers, over one in 10 (11%) said they would prefer to collect from a local shop or parcel point. This figure rose to one in five (21%) among 25–34-year-olds.
Younger consumers are driving the surge in cross-border purchases, the research revealed. More than half (53%) of 18–24-year-olds and 54% of 25–34-year-olds have bought from international retailers in the past year, compared to just 32% of those aged 65 and over.
The returns process was identified as a leading concern for those receiving international deliveries, with 34% citing it as a worry, second only to additional costs such as customs fees (43%).
Location and accessibility continue to shape consumer preferences, with 88% of all respondents saying it is important for parcel collection and drop-off points to be located close to their home or workplace.
Sam Holden, director of parcels and e-commerce at PayPoint, said: “The growth in international e-commerce is reshaping how UK delivery networks operate. It’s no longer just about getting parcels into the country, it’s about what happens once they arrive and, critically, how efficiently they can be returned.
“Pick-up and drop-off networks like Collect+ play a vital role in managing these volumes.”
Brits spend 370 million hours a month on parcel admin
Brits are spending an estimated 370 million hours every month managing deliveries and returns, new research from Quadient has found.
The average consumer now spends 5.5 hours a month managing parcels, which is the equivalent of 66 hours a year per person. Across the UK population, that adds up to 4.44 billion hours a year.
The single biggest parcel admin time drain for Brits is waiting at home for a delivery, which accounts for 1.5 hours a month per person or 18 hours every year.
While parcels were once mainly associated with receiving goods bought online or an occasional present, they now play a much broader role in modern life. On average, Brits now receive six parcels a month and send seven.
Of the parcels received, four come from general online shopping, while one comes from regular subscriptions and one is work-related.
The findings also highlight how resale has become a mainstream part of the parcel economy. More than three quarters (77%) of UK consumers have sold goods online.
Best foot forward
Budgens of Holt has kicked off another year of fundraising efforts with an eight-hour in-store treadmill challenge followed by a 16.5 mile walk to in support of the British Heart Foundation.
Each year, the store picks a different Charity of the Year to raise funds for and 2026 will see its employees walk, run, bike, bake and craft in aid of The British Heart Foundation.
Intrepid store worker Maggie Thompson kicked off the fundraising fiesta with a full-day shift on the treadmill, walking, jogging and running from 8am until 4pm on 25th April.
Maggie’s treadmill was positioned by the entrance, with hundreds of local shoppers visiting her throughout the day for support and encouragement.
By the end, she’d smashed her target and raised more than £2,000 – more than double what she’d originally hoped to make.
A few weeks later Maggie then joined several of her team members in a 16.5 mile walk to raise even more money for the charity.
Waste not want not
Fraser’s Budgens Director Jonathan Fraser and his Yarnton store manager Sophie have paid a visit to the Cherwell Collective’s Waste Innovation Station HQ (WISH) to learn more about its valuable work and how the surplus food donated by their stores helps support the local community.
WISH is a pioneering community initiative that helps people build more sustainable daily habits by reducing waste from everyday household items and consumer goods. After a successful 18-month pilot, the project has secured five years of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund – a real testament to its impact.
During the visit, Jonathan and Sophie learned more about the WISH project and supported the Cherwell Larder by helping the team prepare for their Thursday morning food redistribution.
It was a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how surplus food donated by Fraser’s Budgens stores supports those in need.
Booker Dragon Boat race makes waves
Booker’s annual fundraising event for industry charity GroceryAid proves a hit once again, as more than 40 teams raise hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The second spectacular Booker Dragon Boat Race took place last month as more than 40 teams took part and helped to raise £420,000 for industry charity GroceryAid.
The annual event has rapidly become an important part of GroceryAid’s calendar, with more than £370,000 raised in 2025, with every penny going to the charity to help it provide industry colleagues in need with financial, practical and emotional support.
This year, more than 40 teams took part and raised an amazing £420,000. More than 450 Booker colleagues and members of the senior commercial
team competed to be crowned Dragon Boat champions.
The event saw participants return to the backdrop of Bisham Abbey to row down the River Thames to the beat of the drum. Throughout the day, there were sponsor activations, entertainment, a BBQ and the all-important prize-giving.
“The Booker Dragon Boat Race is a fantastic event in support of our charity partners GroceryAid,” said Booker CEO Andrew Yaxley. “Once again, it was a fantastic day of friendly competition, entertainment and networking, whilst also raising vital funds for such an important cause.”
CHECKOUT RETURNS
GroceryAid’s Scotland Committee has confirmed that its flagship event, the Checkout Scotland music festival, will return for the fourth consecutive year in 2026.
The event will take place in Glasgow on 27 August, with over 700 industry colleagues expected to attend.
Last year saw Peter Andre and Callum Beattie among the stars on the main stage.
Please visit groceryaid.org.uk to buy tickets to the event.
Next level retail
Aaron Thiru’s new Budgens store in Springfield, Kent, is taking his business to new heights.
Aaron Thiru’s journey as an independent retailer has been marked by continual progress. In 2021, he completed the galvanising transformation of his small store in the sleepy Kentish village of Eccles into a rousing new Premier.
Five years on, with that store now turning over in excess of £35k a week and with a second Premier also successfully launched nearby, he’s now “taking things to the next level” with the opening of an inspiring new Budgens store.
Located at the foot of a new housing development in the bustling residential suburb of Springfield in Kent, the brand-new store benefits from 502 flats directly above it and plenty more housing dotted about its leafy surrounds.
“I’d been looking for opportunities to go to the next level for a while and had viewed a number of different sites, but none of them quite fitted the bill – until the unit in Springfield came along,” Aaron says.
“I wanted a store with even more space where I could offer shoppers a really wide range of choice and create a true one-stop shop.”
Location was also crucial.
“The new site also needed to be close to my other stores,” Aaron explains. “I am very hands-on as a retailer. I need to carry out visible checks in all my stores at least a couple of times a week.
“CCTV is a great tool for monitoring, but nothing beats walking your own store, talking directly to your team and interacting with your shoppers.”
That hands-on approach means proximity matters.
“If my team need me, I have to be able to get to them quickly, so all my stores need to be within an accessible radius of each other,” Aaron says. “I had plenty of opportunities to take on other new stores, but they were too far out, and that didn’t sit right with me.”
So, with its ideal Kentish location, 1,650sq ft shop floor (almost double that of his Premier store in Eccles) and limited local competition, the brandnew retail unit ticked all of Aaron’s boxes.
“My vision for the site was to create a true mini supermarket – a store where people wouldn’t just top up, they would do their whole shop – and Budgens was the brand to help me do that,” he explains.
“We spent a huge amount of time researching the area and drilling down into the demographic ahead of making the plans, and what we found was that local people were crying out for a comprehensive fresh and chilled offer.
“It’s an affluent area, so we also knew that we had an opportunity to elevate the range with premium lines too, such as Cook frozen meals and a Laithwaites wine offer.”
After more than 15 iterations of the plans, Budgens Springfield opened its doors to eager locals in January 2026.
“Highly recommend. Really good store, staff are very friendly and helpful and had everything I needed and more.”
Customer View
“We’d spent a lot of time tweaking the plans and the finished result was the best of the best,” says Aaron.
“The whole store was then fitted out to a very high standard. It’s such an elegant-looking shop and, from day one, we have been wholly focused on outstanding availability and service to match.”
“The shop looks amazing. Very clean, well organised, and truly outstanding. A great place with a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!” Customer View
Featuring almost 20 metres of chilled space, the store is a beacon of freshness for Springfield’s local shoppers, who at last can fulfil full-basket shops on their doorsteps – and for many, at the foot of their homes.
Just four months on, fresh and chilled are the store’s biggestselling categories, driven by fresh vegetables, fresh meats and dairy products.
“Together, these account for around 75% of total turnover, which is incredible,” Aaron says.
“Our Cook frozen meal solutions offer is also proving to be a great success and we are having to place new orders every single week.”
The new store also features an appetising Good To Go zone at the entrance, featuring hot Bake & Bite pastries, Rollover, Snow Shock Slush and Costa Coffee, which offers more than
60 different hot and cold drink options.
“Food to go is proving to be another fantastic success story,” Aaron says. “We’re encountering very little waste.
“After fresh and chilled, our next best-selling category is grocery, which really shows how widely shoppers are shopping the store.”
With so many houses above and all around, Aaron’s ‘one-stop shop’ range also includes useful kitchen equipment and homewares, as well as a comprehensive pet range for local pampered pooches and coddled kitties.
“From day one, we’ve been blown away by just how supportive and welcoming local people have been and how happy they are with the store,” he adds.
Despite opening in the middle of January – traditionally one
of the quietest trading months for many retailers –and in the midst of terrible weather, the store still got off to a flying start.
“We took more than £20,000 in our very first week – from a total standing start,” Aaron says. “To do that in week one was incredible, and sales have been growing week on week since then, putting us well on track to hit our target of £40,000 a week by the end of the year.”
He says the strong response from the local community comes down to delivering the whole package. “We don’t just offer them a fantastic range; we also offer fantastic standards and service.
“From the start, I wanted this store to be a true part of the community and to offer an unrivalled level of service that would get people talking and bring them back time and time again.”
And from the store’s many five-star Google reviews alone, it’s clear the team at Budgens Springfield are doing just that.
FACTFILE
Name: Budgens Springfield, Kent
Retailer: Aaron Thiru
Size: 1,650sq ft
Staff: 10
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6am–10pm; Sun 7am–9pm
Services: National Lottery, PayPoint
“Training is key,” Aaron says. “We never put new members of staff on the tills straight away. They need to spend a good amount of time on the shop floor first, really getting to know the products and the range, and that really helps to build their confidence.”
Customer service is also constantly measured, with the team receiving daily feedback and encouragement. “The store manager isn’t tucked away in an office all day; he spends a lot of time on the shop floor working alongside the team, where he can see first-hand how they are all getting on,” explains Aaron. “He’ll then catch up with every single team member each day.”
No achievement goes unnoticed. “If we get a good review or a nice in-person compliment, we’ll celebrate it. I’ll give my team members a £10 voucher or a box of chocolates – anything to show my appreciation and make them feel valued. That’s key if you want to build a strong and motivated team.”
Team members are also routinely given different tasks to keep boredom at bay. One day they might be asked to restock
greetings cards, the next it could be chilled. “It keeps the job interesting and it also helps to grow their product knowledge even further,” Aaron says.
Now, with the store performing so well, he is gearing up to enter ‘phase two’, which will involve expanding the range with the addition of some new local lines.
“We’re planning to bring in some new local meats, which should prove really popular with shoppers this summer and help us to make even more of the BBQ opportunity,” he adds.
“We’re also gearing up to launch home delivery later this year. It was important to let the store bed in before jumping into home delivery, but we know there is strong demand and we have very high hopes for it, so watch this space.
“I’m so proud of what we have already achieved and excited for all that is yet to come. I wanted a store that would take me to the next level, and this one is certainly doing that,” he concludes.
WINE AND DINE
The Budgens Wine Festival is back and serving up a goblet of opportunities for retailers to dine out on.
Contributing billions of pounds to the tills of UK retailers each year, the wine category certainly serves up an opportunity that’s well worth tucking into – especially when you consider wine’s basket-boosting powers – think sumptuous reds paired with succulent steaks, and light whites with luscious leaves.
Just ask Budgens retailer Paul Wilks who describes wine as a key footfall driver and basket-spend builder at his Stony Stratford store.
“Wine’s a big seller for us, both in-store and on-line and what’s really great is that it also drives sales of other products, including fresh and frozen ready meals and snacking items,” he says.
Booker’s Wine Category Manager Loris Gruarin certainly agrees: “Wine is a key footfall driving category!” he enthuses. “Shoppers these days expect to be able to go to their local store to buy a bottle of wine, a meal for tonight, some milk, some bread etc. Wine is always on their radar now.
“That’s why it’s so key for retailers to keep their range relevant and on trend with exciting new products, the right
prices and special offers. It’s an absolute must.”
And helping them to do just that is the Budgens Wine Festival, returning for duty during the NP6 and NP7 periods.
The Budgens Wine Festival will serve up seven weeks of fantastic promotions, great value prices and exciting new products, including several First To Market and Group Exclusives – all backed by high-impact point of sale (POS) materials, all designed to help stores uncork the wine category’s full-bodied potential.
The Wine Festival line-up has been finely tuned to help retailers create a compelling Good, Better, Best proposition by touching a wide range of price points and ensuring that there’s a bottle for everybody to enjoy.
Helping retailers to score with soccer-mad shoppers as the football season reaches its climax this summer are a range of ‘2 for £12’ and ‘2 for £13’ deals on bestselling brands including Seven Tenths Bin 201, Caparelli, Barefoot, Echo Falls, Blossom Hill, Quirky Bird and McGuigan Lot 92. Retailers in Scotland will be able to offer single bottles for £6 and £6.50 respectively.
Key wine trends and how to bottle them
Many wine shoppers are choosing to “drink less but drink better”, a fact that means wines with a price point of £8–£9 boast a 41% share of sales.
Make the most of this trend by offering a strong Good, Better, Best proposition including a good mix of premium wines. Budgens’ new wine planograms will help you create a corking offer.
Sweeter and flavoured wines are helping to bring new shoppers into the category from other BWS sectors such as cider.
Meet this demand with a good range of New World wines which tend to offer a sweeter taste and innovative new products such as Echo Falls Blue Raspberry, which hits a key flavour trend.
l Sales of lighter white wines, rosés and sparkling products rise in the summer months, fuelled by the warmer weather and increased outdoor occasions.
Budgens retailers now have access to more than 20 new wines including Cloudwatcher Alvarinho, Les Dauphins White Côtes du Rhône and Canti Asti – perfect for toasting summer celebrations.
l Smaller formats such as cans are helping to innovate the category and appeal to shoppers searching for picnic or ‘on the go’ solutions.
Budgens retailers have access to a great range of canned wines including exclusive Wairau Cove New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 187ml cans, and La Vieille Ferme Rosé 200ml cans.
Small & Mighty
With single-serve products continuing to grow in popularity, the Budgens Wine Festival includes great deals on a number of small format products, including new canned wines.
*All prices correct at time of going to press.
The need for retailers to also create a compelling premiumpriced proposition has been carefully considered.
As the trend towards “drinking less but drinking better” continues to take root among UK shoppers, wines with a price point of between £8–£9 are growing in popularity and now boast a 41% share of sales – performing ahead of the category, Booker’s Wine Category Manager Loris Gruarin says.
Budgens retailers will be able to serve their shoppers a bevy of bottles in this price bracket including Kylie Rosé, Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc, Porta 6 Lisboa Red, and new Jacob’s Creek Juicy and Smooth Red, Vibrant and Fruity White and Refreshing and Lively Rosé for £8.49 a bottle.
ROSÉ CONTINUES TO BLOOM
With rosé sales continuing to flourish, the Wine Festival also stars a number of exciting new rosé products and great value promotions on existing top-sellers.
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), recently described rosé as a “ray of sunshine for wine producers and retailers,” with volumes up 3% and value up 5% on a year ago –generating £882m in sales according to its latest Market Report.
During the summer of 2025, sales of rosé were up 1% over the 12 weeks compared to the previous year and rose again by 1% over the 12 weeks up to 27 December, proving that the pink stuff is now a year-round pick for shoppers.
In 2025, the equivalent of 129 million 75cl bottles of rosé were sold compared to 125 million bottles the previous year and around 122 million bottles in 2023.
The Budgens Wine Festival will star a number of new and First To Market rosé wines, such as Jacob’s Creek Refreshing and Lively Rosé, along with mega deals on bestselling
products including Secretary Bird Rosé and Hardys VR Rosé for just £5.99 – plus great value prices on bottles of Jam Shed Rosé and Trivento Malbec Rosé Reserve for £7.49 and Cabana California Rosé for £7.99.
Shoppers will also be able to bag amazing value deals on a number of sparkling rosé products, sure to be a hit for summer celebrations, including Plaza Centro Prosécco Rosé for £8.49, Kylie Prosécco Rosé for £9.99 and Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rosé for £11.49.
Shoppers looking for smaller formats will also be able to snap up 20cl bottles of Canti Prosécco Rosé as part of an ‘Any 2 for £7’ deal (£3.50 a bottle in Scotland). The same deal will also apply to Canti Prosécco 20cl.
IN THE CAN
Canned wines are also continuing to grow in popularity – driven by their convenience, single-serve and value for money credentials. Responding directly to shopper demand, the Budgens Wine Festival also includes great deals on a number of canned wines, including new products such as Booker’s Group Exclusive Wairau Cove New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc cans, available on an ‘Any 2 for £5.50’ deal or £2.75 per can in Scotland.
The same deal also applies to cans of Most Wanted Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Rosé and the viral La Vieille Ferme AKA “chicken wine,” which is also now available in a new 200ml canned format.
FLAVOURS CONTINUE TO BEAR FRUIT
The Budgens Wine Festival also features great deals on a number of new and bestselling fruity flavoured wine products, including the blue bombshell that is Echo Falls Blue Raspberry which has captured the attention of Budgens retailers and their shoppers across the country since launch.
With its sweet raspberry flavour, low ABV of 9% and bold blue colour, the product taps into growing consumer demand for flavoured, lower-alcohol wines – whilst helping to introduce new drinkers into the wine category, away from cider and RTDs.
Echo Falls Blue Raspberry will be available as part of a £5.99 mega deal during the Budgens Wine Festival, along with its sister flavours Echo Falls Summer Berries and Watermelon
CORKING POS
Helping to support and signpost all of the above is a suite of Wine Festival POS, designed to help retailers showcase the category.
The Budgens Wine Festival POS includes header cards, barkers and more, all of which are sure to help you uncork the category’s full potential.
New products!
The Budgens Wine Festival provides a corking line-up of exciting new products including First To Market and Group Exclusives.
Jacob’s Creek Vibrant and Fruity White
*Source: Circana, Water Category, value and volume sales in the UK for 52 w/e 8th November 2025 Subject to availability
NOODLES
Scoot delivering rapid growth
The first-ever conference for Scoot retailers was held recently, with over 100 retailers attending to hear the latest news and share their experiences of using the fastest-growing delivery platform in the UK.
It’s hard to believe that Booker’s unique and exclusive low-cost delivery platform Scoot is only just over a year old – but it’s far less difficult to understand the massive success the platform has enjoyed in the past 12 months.
From a standing start, more than 440 customers now use Scoot, which is available only to Booker symbol group retailers. That level of growth is unprecedented in independent retailing, and Booker has no intention of taking its foot off the gas in the future.
To mark the first anniversary of the launch of Scoot, Booker recently organised the first-ever Scoot conference, welcoming over 100 retailers to a very special event hosted at Makro in Manchester.
FULLY INVESTED
During his welcome speech to the packed audience, Booker Retail Manager Colm Johnson made no bones about the fact that he has huge plans for Scoot: “Our low-cost Scoot platform is a core part of our offer and it will continue to be long into the future. We are fully invested in Scoot and we are fully committed to continuing to grow it in the coming months and years.
“We already have over 440 retailers using Scoot, a remarkable achievement in such a short space of time, and we intend to hit the 1,000 users mark in the near future.”
Boasting a fully flexible model, Scoot gives retailers the opportunity to make an estimated £34,000 additional profit per year based on weekly app sales of just £2,500 at 26% gross margin.
There are zero consumer charges and zero commission once retailers reach £5,000 of weekly sales on the app. This means retailers can save up to £16,000 a year with Scoot when compared to other rapid delivery platforms on weekly sales of around £5,000.
So it’s no surprise that so many Premier retailers are moving to Scoot or, indeed, launching a rapid delivery service in their stores for the first time.
HUGE OPPORTUNITY
The first speaker at the conference was Tom Fender, Development Director at data specialist TWC, who outlined the enormous opportunity that rapid delivery presents for Premier retailers.
“Rapid delivery is only going to keep growing,” he said. “It has become a consumer habit and I would advise all retailers to embrace it because customers now expect it. It will be essential in retaining existing customers and recruiting new ones.”
TWC data shows that a massive 38% of consumers they surveyed have used a rapid delivery service, a figure which equates to 19 million consumers. Almost a third of
STORES NOW USING SCOOT
consumers (32%) use home delivery more than once a week, while a quarter (25%) say they use it at least once every week.
Even more tellingly, TWC research data predicts that by the end of 2026 only 14% of consumers won’t be using rapid delivery services. A significant 55% of shoppers say they will shop elsewhere if rapid delivery is not available.
Fender also highlighted how average basket spend in rapid delivery is around £30, which is more than three times larger than the average in-store basket spend of £9.
“It may surprise some retailers to discover that the number one purchased category in rapid delivery is food to go,” he explained. “Food to go accounts for 30% of all orders, with crisps and snacks next at 22%, and chilled dairy third at 21%.”
Looking specifically at the Scoot platform, Fender revealed that TWC research found that a huge 42% of Scoot consumers use only Scoot, four in five consumers rate Scoot at 9 or 10 out of 10, and 84% are ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ likely to order again through Scoot.
Damian Sanderson, Head of Home Delivery at Booker, hailed those final statistics as “remarkable and conclusive proof that Scoot retailers are doing an absolutely fantastic job”.
LAST MILE
Conference attendees also heard from Just Eat Go, Booker’s preferred last-mile delivery partner, who echoed the scale of the opportunity for Premier retailers. Just Eat is the UK’s number one delivery partner with a 48% market share and delivery capability in over 95% of UK postcodes.
A survey they conducted among 7,000 people found that the number of consumers using rapid delivery services is growing at 9% a year and that the market value of rapid delivery is around £12.9bn.
Just Eat Go also highlighted how independent local stores have a significant last-mile advantage in home delivery over supermarkets and discounters, given their proximity to their customer base and the strong relationships local stores enjoy with their communities. Being a genuine part of your local community is your biggest asset.
TWC takeaways
l 38% of the UK population have used rapid delivery = 19 million shoppers
l 32% order more than once a week; 25% order once a week
l 68% expect convenience stores to offer rapid delivery
l Only 14% say they will not use rapid delivery
l Rapid delivery average basket spend is £30 vs in-store average of £9
l 71% say in-app promotions encouraged them to buy
l Food to go is the number one purchased category in rapid delivery
l 42% of Scoot users say they use only Scoot
l 51% of Scoot users say they now shop more often
l 4 in 5 Scoot users rate the experience 9 or 10 (out of 10)
l 84% are extremely / very likely to order again
CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT
Also speaking at the event was Richard Lamb, Booker Chief Technical Officer, who discussed the remarkable progress and evolution of the Scoot app over the last 12 months.
Lamb outlined countless major evolutions already carried out at the request of retailers, from reducing the consumer sign-up process from 16 clicks to just eight, and adding voucher codes to help recruit new customers, to introducing push notifications and adding email marketing capability.
Loyalty functionality will be tested in August, with DIY vouchering scheduled for trialling in September. He also announced that a major app update has now been completed and will be available on app stores this month.
Work is also ongoing in terms of EPoS integration with a long list of EPoS providers to ensure that Scoot will fully integrate with most of the major EPoS systems in use in Premier stores.
Colm Johnson closed the proceedings with a reiteration of Booker commitment to Scoot and to supporting retailers who take advantage of the exceptional opportunity it brings: “We’re in this for the long haul and we want to make Scoot the biggest and best rapid delivery platform in the UK for our retailers and their customers.”
WELCOME LORIS, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF TO GET STARTED?
Hello! Well, I started working in trade wines for a London-based delivered wholesaler and was there for around 10 years before an opportunity presented itself to join Metro/Makro as a Wine Buyer in 2008, which I did for a couple of years. I then moved on to a new role as a Spirits Buyer for a further four years, before going back to wine. So it’s basically been wine, wine, wine for a very long time!
WHAT A FANTASTIC CATEGORY TO WORK IN!
Absolutely, there’s certainly never a dull moment! As a category, wine is hugely innovative and that’s something I find especially exciting.
As a buyer, you’re always on the lookout for the next big thing – those innovative new products that will give us, and our customers, an edge and drive the whole category forward.
Just look at the impact that Echo Falls Blue Raspberry has had. That
Say hello to... Loris Gruarin
With the Wine Festival just around the corner, we catch up with Booker’s Wine Category Manager Loris Gruarin to pore over the many sparkling opportunities the wine category will serve up over the coming months.
product is a fantastic example of how an innovative new idea really can drive interest and sales within a category.
Innovations can often be a bit like playing the slot machine – you’re never 100% sure what the impact will be, but every now and again you pull the lever and you get three lemons and it’s like boom!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE NOW – WHAT ARE YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES?
It’s a very varied role, but in essence my key responsibilities are to create and implement a range of products and a promotional strategy that satisfies our customers’ needs.
That means maintaining an assortment in line with market trends and pricing, creating appealing promotions and managing the commerciality of the deals for our retailers.
Keeping up with innovation and being on top of new trends is also imperative because, as I’ve already said, the world of wine moves very fast.
WHY WINE? WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE CATEGORY THAT FASCINATES YOU?
I’m just really passionate about it! I’m Italian – maybe that has something to do with it! But that said, I know plenty of people from non-wine-producing countries who are just as passionate about the category as me!
The interaction between wine and food is fascinating to me. Wine is a product of the land; there’s a synergy there and it’s wonderful to learn about the ways that different wines from different regions pair with their unique regional cuisines.
With limitless styles from numerous wine-producing regions around the world, the wine category offers an almost limitless experience; there’s always something new to see and taste – and it’s incredibly exciting that I get to try and bring our customers along on that journey.
Wine is also a category that brings people together and I have a great appreciation for its conviviality factor.
ABOUT LORIS
Italian-born Loris Gruarin has worked in wine for most of his adult life, driven by his thirst for innovation and a genuine love for the category.
Right now, he’s busy gearing up for the all-important festive season and pouring his passion into the successful execution of the upcoming Budgens Wine Festival, set to run through NP6 and NP7.
The Wine Festival will herald seven weeks of fantastic promotions, new products and high-impact point-of-sale materials to help retailers uncork full-bodied wine sales this summer.
I’m also fascinated by the way in which the old art of winemaking can be blended to embrace new technologies that improve flavour and quality – as well as the science of branding and marketing.
The fascination really is endless!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I love how dynamic it is. Every day brings a different challenge, and I love that about it.
From the economic climate to geopolitical challenges and, of course, the weather, so many different elements come into play – all of which can impact pricing, availability and how and what shoppers buy.
And then there are all the changes in consumer trends, from the move towards premiumisation to the growing demand for lower-ABV products, to name just a couple. It all adds to the excitement.
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A TYPICAL DAY?
Not really! As I said earlier, every day brings with it its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, but there are some elements which remain quite firmly fixed.
Each day, I’ll typically have a number of diary meetings to work through, along with planning for meetings scheduled for later in the week.
I also have daily supplier and supply chain meetings, as well as daily discussions with our sales team, to check sales performance and promotion effectiveness.
These meetings are critical, and we use the learnings and insights to help us keep driving the category forward.
HOW CLOSELY DO YOU WORK WITH SUPPLIERS?
Working with suppliers is a hugely important part of the role and I do so very closely. We are not just customers to them; it’s very much a partnership and we’re all in it together, always working on new ways to drive the category forward.
Suppliers are also a well of knowledge. They invest huge amounts of time and money understanding the market and those insights are invaluable to me, as is understanding how the promotional plans will benefit our customers.
AND WHAT ABOUT RETAILERS?
I’m very fortunate to have fostered and maintained meaningful relationships with a number of retailers from across the country during my time in the role – but one of the biggest highlights of my calendar year is attending the Booker Retail Trade Shows at Sandown and Doncaster.
The Booker Retail Trade Shows are a fantastic opportunity for me to meet our customers face to face, share ideas and learnings, and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face – appreciating the disparity of different regions and demographics.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WINE CATEGORY TO CONVENIENCE RETAILERS?
I can’t overstate its importance enough! Wine is a key footfall-driving
category. Shoppers these days expect to be able to go to their local store to buy a bottle of wine, a meal for tonight, some milk, some bread, etc. Wine is always on their radar.
That’s why it’s so key for retailers to keep their range relevant and on trend, with exciting new products, the right prices and special offers. It’s an absolute must.
WHAT ARE THE KEY TRENDS DRIVING SALES AND NPD THIS YEAR?
Wines with a price point between £6 and £8 account for a third of value sales, according to Nielsen data for the 52 weeks to 27 December 2025.
However, wines priced between £8 and £9 now boast a 41% share of sales, performing ahead of the category and highlighting the need for retailers to have a solid premium wine offer.
Premiumisation also addresses the current trend towards “drinking less but drinking better”, driven by increasingly health-conscious shoppers.
Health-conscious shoppers are also driving the success of the ‘low to no’ ABV wine sector – although it’s worth noting that the trend towards low-alcohol products is not as strong in wine as it is in other categories, such as beer.
Dry rosé wines are also still performing well, benefiting ‘old world’ products.
New formats, such as cans, also present a growing opportunity and one we are monitoring closely, while fruity flavoured wines are engaging young adults and helping to bring new shoppers into the category.
This year we have refreshed our range, taking all of the above factors into account and adding exciting new products such as Cloudwater Alvarinho, Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rés White, an Argentinian Malbec called The Wanderer and, in BRP only, Fat Rooster – a red made using Portugal’s Touriga Nacional grape.
We also have exclusive rosé wines like Oriel and Cabana, first-to-market wines such as I Heart White Zinfandel, as well as our own-label Lomas del Marqués Rioja Tempranillo and Andrew Peace Australian PG.
Small-format, great-value canned products are also driving excitement, including our exclusive Wairau Cove New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc cans and the increasingly popular La Vieille Ferme, or “chicken wine”, cans.
And, of course, I can’t fail to mention one of the most exciting new products to have launched in 2025 so far: Echo Falls Blue Raspberry, which has captured attention across the country.
WHAT’S DRIVING ALL THE HYPE?
There are a lot of factors at play. Firstly, the colour is so unique – that striking bright blue is visually very exciting.
Then there’s the flavour. Blue raspberry is a huge flavour trend across other BWS categories such as RTDs and spirits, as well as confectionery and soft drinks, so it follows that it would also be a hit within wine.
It also has a lower ABV of 9% and has been supported by a fantastic marketing campaign – all of which has provided retailers with an outstanding opportunity to create excitement and engage shoppers.
TELL ME ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT SEASONALITY HAS ON YOUR ROLE. DOES WARMER WEATHER HAVE AN IMPACT ON WINE SALES OR BUYING
TRENDS?
Seasonality is really important within wine, with Christmas and New Year driving a substantial share of annual sales and creating a big opportunity to upsell into premium wine and gifting products.
The spring and summer months tend to drive demand for lighter-style wines, with warmer weather and the associated rise in outdoor dining and BBQ occasions prompting increased demand for rosé, sparkling and white wines. That said, rosé has now become a strong seller all year round.
WILL THIS SUMMER’S FOOTBALL SEASON HELP TO LIFT WINE SALES?
While the lion’s share of sales is likely to go to beer, there’s no doubt that the football season will also create an opportunity to drive wine sales – especially when the right offer is in place.
We’ve been working hard to support retailers with an excellent mega basket featuring five major ranges on a ‘2 for £12’ multibuy offer. It includes major wine brands, including a sparkling Asti – a great option for celebrating success with friends and family.
WHAT ELSE CAN RETAILERS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER?
July will mark the return of the Budgens Wine Festival, which is very exciting.
The festival will run through NP6 and NP7, delivering seven weeks of promotions and new products, all backed by highimpact POS materials designed to help retailers bring the festival to life and create theatre in store.
We’ve recently introduced 24 new wines, making the Wine Festival a strong platform to showcase all that newness.
Helping to support this, the marketing team has developed a suite of POS materials including banners and bus stop signs, designed to help retailers capture shoppers’
attention and focus it on the wine category.
In retail, every second counts, and the longer we can encourage shoppers to stop, step back and browse, the better.
HAVE YOU GOT ANY FINAL TOP TIPS TO HELP RETAILERS MAKE THE MOST OF WINE THIS SUMMER AND BEYOND?
Planograms are your best friend. I strongly urge Budgens retailers to check out our new wine planograms and stick as closely as possible to them.
They have been expertly designed to showcase new products and help retailers deliver a compelling good, better, best proposition.
I’d also encourage retailers to get fully behind the Budgens Wine Festival 2026 and make the best possible use of all the fantastic POS materials that have been designed to help them signpost the category, create in-store theatre and drive sales.
Disability at Booker: Breaking barriers
and building belonging
The Disability at Booker Network’s inspiring work continues, as it strives to reach as many colleagues as possible and embed disability confidence across the business.
“The sessions on neurodiversity and sign language were particularly impactful. I’ve already been able to share what I learned with my team, which shows the real value of the event.”
Colleague testimonial
From cakes to quizzes and lunch labs to lorries, it’s been another year of fantastic progress for the Disability at Booker Network, which celebrated its first anniversary in December 2025.
And there has certainly been much to celebrate.
Led by its dedicated committee of passionate Leads, Executive Sponsors and Co-chairs, the last 12 months have seen the network make real strides towards its goal of amplifying the voices of disabled and neurodivergent colleagues, celebrating their contributions, and embedding disability confidence across the business – ensuring that everyone at Booker feels safe, seen and supported.
Held at the fabulous Winstanley House in Leicester, the network’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities event in December did exactly that.
Well over 100 colleagues from across the business attended the inspiring event, which also marked the network’s first birthday.
Featuring external speakers, quizzes, round table discussions, and a very, very large cake, the event brought colleagues from across the business together with the aim of celebrating progress, increasing understanding, and driving disability inclusion forward.
The day opened with a welcome from the Disability Network committee, recognising executive sponsorship and marking the important milestone of achieving Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) status.
Level 3 status is the highest level of accreditation – reflecting Booker’s commitment to embedding best practice in inclusion, supporting disabled colleagues, and continuing to drive meaningful change.
A key focus of the event was celebrating the network’s impact over the past year, including the introduction of the Workplace Adjustment Policy, awareness sessions, colleague resources, and community initiatives such as mental health support and partnerships with external organisations.
A central highlight was the guest speaker session led by Rachel Morgan Trimmer, which explored neurodiversity and how colleagues could better understand and support different ways of thinking and working.
The session combined practical guidance with interactive elements, encouraging colleagues to reflect on inclusive behaviours and challenge assumptions.
The event also placed strong emphasis on lived experience and storytelling, with colleague videos sharing personal perspectives.
Many of the powerful stories heard on the day were shared following a series of insightful neurodiversity listening groups, which had been held earlier in the year.
These stories helped to bring inclusion to life and reinforce the importance of creating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves.
Interactive table discussions, meanwhile, invited colleagues to explore barriers to inclusion and identify priority areas for improvement.
Participants were encouraged to consider knowledge gaps, workplace challenges, and the practical tools needed to build a more inclusive environment, actively shaping the future direction of the Disability Network.
The day also included opportunities for networking and learning through ‘lunch labs’, where colleagues could engage with internal and external support providers and deepen their understanding of available resources.
Engagement remained high throughout, with an inclusion quiz and interactive learning activities, alongside a practical British Sign Language (BSL) teach-in, giving colleagues simple techniques and confidence to communicate more inclusively in the workplace.
The event concluded with a celebration of allyship and inclusion, recognising colleagues who have made a meaningful difference in supporting others and driving inclusive behaviours across the business.
Overall, the event successfully combined education, celebration and action, reinforcing Booker’s commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Another major highlight of the day was the launch of Disability at Booker’s very own branded lorry.
Proudly bearing the network’s logo, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging’, on its trunk, the new branded lorry is already hard at work on Britain’s roads, spreading the message far and wide.
And that’s certainly been far from all.
In direct response to colleague feedback, recent months have also seen the network shine a spotlight on mental health, with a key focus on reaching even more Band 1 and 2 colleagues from across the business.
As a result, May 2026 saw the Disability at Booker Network host eight individual mental health awareness sessions in
“The inclusivity of the event really stood out, bringing together a wide variety of people from across the business. It created a space where meaningful conversations could happen and perspectives could be shared openly.”
Colleague testimonial
support of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Open to colleagues from across the business, the sessions took place up and down the country, including Perth, Brighton, London and Exeter.
Each of the eight well-attended sessions focused on building understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing in the workplace, in a bid to encourage positive behavioural change and equip colleagues with the mindset and tools needed to support mental wellbeing across the business.
The sessions also highlighted the business and human
impact of mental health, reinforcing the message that wellbeing is not only critical for individuals – but also for organisational performance – emphasising the links between mental health, absence, retention and productivity, as well as underlining the importance of proactive support and early intervention.
They also demonstrated the clear value of creating a culture where colleagues feel safe speaking openly about their experiences, while highlighting the fact that many people will experience changes in their mental health during their working life and that support should be ongoing, visible and accessible.
The content was designed to highlight a range of different mental health experiences, helping colleagues to better recognise that mental health can fluctuate and does not always present in obvious ways – in turn encouraging a broader, more inclusive understanding of what support might look like in practice.
Practical guidance focused on how to support colleagues effectively, including the importance of active listening, empathy, and creating psychologically safe environments where individuals feel valued and understood.
The sessions also reinforced that small actions, such as checking in, adapting communication, or signposting support, could have a really significant impact.
Each carefully crafted session was also designed to connect mental health to the wider inclusion agenda, reinforcing that true inclusion requires understanding and supporting both visible and non-visible conditions, ensuring that all colleagues, including those experiencing mental health challenges, are able to thrive at work.
And there’s certainly lots more to look forward to in the months to come, as Disability at Booker continues the push to reach as many colleagues across the business as possible – breaking down barriers and building belonging along the way.
A special new event that will unite all four of the fantastic Booker Colleague Networks is currently in planning for September – and, of course, Disability at Booker will also be marking ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ in December – so watch this space!
Keep a lid on energy costs
Saffron Business Solutions combines independent market analysis, supplier access and deep sector experience to help Booker retailers better control their operating costs.
With energy costs remaining one of the biggest hits to retailers’ profit pots, solutions that can help to keep a lid on costs and stop those bills bubbling over are certainly well worth tucking into.
Convenience retailers across the UK continue to face significant pressure from energy costs. While wholesale prices have eased from the record highs seen in recent years, the market remains volatile, with ongoing uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions.
At the same time, retailers are managing rising labour costs, increased business rates and cautious customer spending. Margins remain under pressure, leaving little room to absorb higher operating expenses.
However, the good news is that energy is one of the few overheads where meaningful savings can still be achieved without changing day-to-day operations – helping to protect profitability and cash flow.
And thanks to Booker’s business enabling partner Saffron Business Solutions, help for retailers to do just that is but a click or call away.
SBS combines independent market analysis, supplier access and deep sector experience to help Booker retailers make informed energy purchasing decisions and better control operating costs.
With more than 15 years’ experience working directly with
Booker retailers, SBS understands the pressures of operating on tight margins, managing long trading hours and balancing rising overheads.
SBS’ role extends beyond simply securing competitive prices; it helps customers make informed decisions around contract timing, purchasing strategy and supply options that best suit their business needs, ensuring they maintain control throughout.
In a sector sometimes associated with hidden fees and high-pressure sales tactics, SBS is committed to clear, open and transparent communication, with no hidden charges or costs.
This customer-focused approach has resulted in a retention rate of consistently more than 90%, with many customers remaining with SBS for more than a decade.
To achieve this, SBS:
l Provides honest, impartial market analysis
l Sources competitive pricing aligned to the customer’s preferred contract structure
l Monitors market conditions and supply trends to support informed decision-making
l Delivers dedicated customer service and ongoing lifetime support
And the savings speak for themselves.
In July 2022, SBS launched the Booker Retail Energy Buying Club to help Booker retailers access more competitive pricing through collective purchasing power.
Since launch, the Booker Retail Energy Buying Club has delivered savings of more than £1.4m. Members have achieved average annual savings of £3,500, with average total contract savings of £5,450. The highest individual customer saving has exceeded £32,000.
To find out more about how SBS could help you take better control of your energy costs, you simply need to provide a recent energy invoice and SBS will do the rest: carrying out a free, no-obligation comparison against current or renewal rates and helping you to quickly understand what savings may be available.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your contract cycle; SBS can still review your invoice and then make contact at the appropriate point in your renewal window.
Get in touch today to see how SBS could help you get a lid on those costs and better protect profitability and cash flow.
“Your help and advice has been honest and transparent, which is hard to come by in the broker business from past experience.”
RJP Ltd (Budgens)
SAVINGS TO SMILE ABOUT
In July 2022, SBS launched the Booker Retail Energy Buying Club to help Booker retailers access more competitive pricing through collective purchasing power.
Since launch, the Buying Club has delivered savings of more than £1.4m. Members have achieved average annual savings of £3,500, with average total contract savings of £5,450.
Calling time on
retail crime
The new Crime and Policing Act, along with a brand new £30m taskforce aimed at tackling organised crime on high streets, are major steps forward in the fightback against retail crime – but there’s still plenty more to be done.
New police officers, more cash to fund trading standards activity and a new High Street Organised Crime Unit show that the Government is taking the challenge seriously, ACS Chief Executive Ed Woodall says.
We know that for thousands of retailers across the country, crime sits firmly at the top of the agenda. It’s not just the direct financial impact of stock losses, which can run into thousands of pounds per month for the worst affected, but also the cost of defensive investment in areas like CCTV and product tagging. And then the time it takes to report incidents that occur, and the ongoing mental strain on colleagues in store who have to deal with all of this.
Finding effective ways to break the cycle of reoffending and take prolific criminals off the streets has been one of our top priorities for a number of years, and I’m pleased to report that there is progress being made in two important areas.
Firstly, a range of measures are coming into force to support retailers as part of the Crime and Policing Act, which
received Royal Assent earlier this summer. Measures include scrapping the so-called £200 threshold for investigating shop theft offences, making attacking a retail worker a separate offence, and extending closure orders for businesses wilfully selling illicit goods (more on that specific issue later). These are meaningful policy changes that will make a positive difference, and we hope act as an effective deterrent to those considering stealing from our stores.
The second area that has become much more prominent in recent years is the battle against the illicit trade. You’ll be familiar with this problem just by walking down your local high street, observing the pop-up shops and mini marts that sell all sorts of products with questionable origins. It’s not just illicit vapes, tobacco and alcohol that these businesses are selling; it could be other
electronics, toys and even goods stolen from other businesses. We’ve been calling on the Government to do more to stop these businesses, and while the aforementioned additional powers for Trading Standards are welcome, they’re no good if they’re not backed by additional resources and boots on the ground to actually enforce them locally.
This is why we’re pleased to say there has been major progress, through the announcement of a new £30m taskforce aimed at tackling organised crime on high streets. New police officers, more cash to fund trading standards activity, and a new High Street Organised Crime Unit will bring this up the list of police priorities. There is still much to be done to back responsible retailers and ensure they’re not losing out, but this is an important step forward and shows the Government does take this issue seriously.
