Booker, the UK's biggest cash and carry operator, is planning to double its internet delivery business this year with the launch of a new website.

Charles Wilson, Booker chief executive, told The Grocer that new user-friendly technology would play a big part in his push to make Booker "the UK's best and biggest supplier to small businesses".

Booker currently has sales of £50m through its customer website. A new site, being trialled and due for launch in the spring, could double this, said Wilson. The site allows faster ordering, online payment and has an e-auction capability.

Wilson also said Booker expected to achieve £500m worth of delivered sales for the year to March, up 6% on the previous 12 months.

It had achieved this by developing a 24-hour response, extending delivery windows and introducing 12-hour order lead times in the London area.

There had also been a £3.5m investment in multi-temperature vehicles.

Morale among Booker staff had improved markedly since the business had been turned around after he joined in November 2005, said Wilson. "Eighteen months ago Booker's 8,000 staff were worried about bankruptcy. Today morale and staff development are in a better place."

Booker is also working on improving local sourcing and making local products more prominent in its depots. It is trialling an ­initiative in Kent, with local suppliers of chutney, meat and juice ranged together under a local banner.

"Feedback has been great from customers," said Wilson. "There is an opportunity here as local is something the multiples have always struggled with."

Booker currently sourced fresh produce from 14 local markets, he said. This meant the produce reached shelves one-and-a-half days fresher and was up to 30% cheaper than before. But Wilson insisted there was potential for further improvements.

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