Stockport-headquartered wholesaler rewards employees after record sales

Stockport-headquartered wholesaler, Parfetts, has awarded staff its maximum annual sales bonus of 4% after delivering record turnover of £807 million.

The performance marks another year of sustained growth for the employee-owned business, with turnover up 10.6% on the previous year. The Stockport-headquartered wholesaler has more than doubled sales over the past six years and is well on track to achieve £1 billion annual turnover within the next three years.

The bonus for staff forms part of Parfetts’ employee ownership model, which also includes an annual profit share. Unlike shareholder-owned businesses, Parfetts reinvests the money it generates back into the company and its people, giving it the flexibility to invest where it makes the greatest difference for colleagues and independent retailers.

Joint managing director Guy Swindell said:

“Our people are the reason Parfetts exists. As an employee-owned business, the success we create belongs to our colleagues. Rather than distributing profits to external shareholders, we reinvest in the business and reward the people who make that success possible.

“That gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most, investing in our people, our depots, technology and our retail proposition, while continuing to deliver outstanding service for independent retailers. We’re happy to recognise everyone’s contribution with the maximum 4% sales bonus.”

Parfetts has continued to strengthen its market position through investment in its symbol estate, own-brand range and delivered wholesale network. The business is approaching 2,000 symbol stores nationwide across its Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go fascias. Over the past 12 months, Parfetts has also expanded into Scotland for the first time with its delivered wholesale service, while continuing to grow its symbol group presence north of the border.

Joint managing director Noel Robinson said:

“This result reflects the strength of our employee ownership model and the commitment of colleagues across the business. Despite continued cost pressures across the wholesale sector, we’ve maintained strong momentum by focusing on helping independent retailers grow.

“Our investment strategy is creating the platform for our next phase of growth. The expansion of Southampton, alongside continued investment in our retail offer, own-brand development and technology, means we’re well on track to become a £1bn business within the next three years.

“As we prepare to operate independently following our departure from Unitas, we’re in a strong position to build even closer supplier relationships and deliver even greater value for our retailers.”

Parfetts recently confirmed it will leave the buying group Unitas at the end of 2026, a move it says will enable closer, more direct supplier relationships, improve product availability, accelerate new product development, and create more exclusive opportunities for independent retailers.

The wholesaler is also continuing to invest in its Go For Growth retail support programme, combining category insight, planograms, data analysis and supplier expertise to help independent retailers increase sales and profitability.