Former Bellvue exec aims to deliver growth in Bestway appointment

WHOLESALE group Bestway has made its first senior appointment in Scotland since buying both the Bellevue and Martex cash and carry chains at the end of last year.

Bestway Direct, the group's delivery arm, has named former Bellevue executive Colin Smith as regional manager for Scotland.

Smith was born into one of Scotland's oldest family bakers, Andrew Smith's of Carnwath. After studying at Napier University, he joined Bellevue as a marketing assistant and then worked at wholesaler Costo in Edinburgh before moving back to Bellevue.

The expanded company delivers stock to corner shops that use the Best-One brand.

Smith says: "This is a great new job for me and I look forward to driving growth for our group."

News of his appointment comes only a week after Edinburgh-based entrepreneur Graham Benson - who ran Bellevue along with his brother George - announced he was setting up a consultancy firm, Wholesale Matters, with former Scottish & Newcastle sales expert Richard Yates.

Kinross-based cashmere yarn spinner Todd & Duncan has promoted finance director Iain Cormack to the new post of deputy managing director. Managing director Ian McGrattan says: "Iain has made a strong contribution to the business in recent years. Whilst retaining his existing responsibilities as finance director, he will make valuable input to strategy."

Aim-listed Dawson International sold Todd & Duncan - whose clients include Burberry, Gucci and Prada - to Chinese outfit Zhongyin for 8.4 million in 2009.

Dundas & Wilson, the "big four" Scottish law firm, yesterday announced the departure of former board member Michael Stoneham, who is joining rival Brodies after 27 years at D&W.

Managing partner Donald Shaw says: "Michael's role in helping to establish our banking practice as one of the largest and most respected in the country has been very valuable.

"He has now expressed a desire to have a more Scottish-based focus to his role, rather than a UK-wide one, and he goes with our very best wishes and thanks."