Londis has started its recruitment drive in the far north and Scotland which will make it a "national player" for the first time. Three new business development managers for Scotland have already joined the company. Tony Gallagher comes from Spar wholesaler CJ Lang, Stephen Christie from Trademarket Cash & Carry and Brian McCaughey from Manor Bakeries. Completing the Scottish team, which reports to business development controller Laurie McKeown will be four Glasgow based merchandisers, currently being recruited. Recruitment in Scotland starts in earnest in May, when the new £15m South Elmsall distribution centre near Wakefield is commissioned. Starting from March, Londis is planning to open three lead stores in Scotland so prospective members can see the development capability of the stores. The news comes after Londis posted record sales of £429m, up 17.5% on last year, for the financial year to January 28. Drop shipment sales proved exceptionally bouyant, reaching £95m, an increase of 21% year on year. During the period, the group redeveloped 418 stores, with a total capital investment of £4.5m. The 210 retailers who used the Londis Finance scheme took out loans in excess of £3.3m, spending an average of nearly £16,000 on development. The company anticipates 45% of growth this year will come from Scotland and the north of England. {{NEWS }}

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