Unitas Conference 2023

Laura Morroll

Director, Operational Restructuring, Retail & Supply Chain, PwC

Laura is a Director in PwC’s Value Creation and Realisation practice, with over 20 years of experience in retail across both industry and management consulting roles.  She has operated in a number of senior retail industry buying, merchandising and operations roles and has global brand and strategic and operating experience.  

She has led multiple engagements with clients on end-to-end supply chain strategy, and supported retailers in developing and implementing category strategies and inventory flows to deliver bottom line profitable outcomes. 

Katherine Morgan

Partner, Dentons Global Advisors

Katherine provides senior strategic counsel to a range of organisations from international corporations to FTSE 250 companies. She leads the team that advises the Federation of Wholesale Distributors on the impact of Government policy and legislation in the wholesale channel. As a campaigner, she has secured a number of major legislative changes in the UK. 

With over ten years of experience in public affairs consultancy, Katherine has also worked at a senior level at the Treasury, including as the private secretary to a Government Minister.

Katherine has been awarded ‘Consultant of the Year’ by the PRCA. 

Colin Smith

Chief Executive, Scottish Wholesale Association

Colin’s career in the wholesale sector spans more than 25 years. He was appointed chief executive of the SWA in 2018, bringing his extensive knowledge of the food and drink supply chain as well as a collaborative approach to help SWA members grow and evolve in partnership with suppliers and other stakeholders.

James Bielby

Chief Executive, Federation of Wholesale Distributors

FWD represents the sector to government, suppliers, customers and the outside world, aiming to create favourable trading conditions for members by lobbying for policy change and defending against regulatory burdens. FWD advises members on potential political opportunities, threats and requirements, and works to create a safer trading environment.

FWD also provides a meeting place for wholesalers and suppliers on non-compete issues. 

Jill Livesey

Managing Director, Lumina Intelligence & MCA

Jill has vast experience in the food and drink sector in operator and supply side, formerly working with Marks and Spencer, Unilever and Birds Eye. A passionate supporter of the Wholesale food and drink industry, Jill and her team thrive on delivering innovation, quality data and intelligent insight to the industry. 

MCA is a digital news and events solution, delivering leading coverage of the UK’s dynamic eating and drinking out market, to keep operators, suppliers and investors informed of the latest developments in the industry. 

Professor Trevor Williams

Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies

Trevor Williams served as Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank for over a decade.

Now an author, academic and consultant, he analyses the key trends and policies that shape the economy and markets. From energy and climate to how companies use their data to understand the wider economy, he brings clarity and relevance to an often complex and abstract field.

Tom Fender

Development Director, TWC

Tom has worked in convenience retailing/RTM for over 20 years, firstly as managing partner/co owner of HIM Research & Consulting, then with Bolt Learning and now as Development Director of TWC. TWC partners with 59 wholesalers and 153 suppliers through its market leading digital reporting platforms. TWC has recently launched SmartView Convenience, the most authoritative retail epos market read for independent retail 

TWC helps its customers become more data led. It provides a unique blend of data services, digital platforms and unrivalled knowledge designed to drive growth for wholesalers, foodservice operators and convenience retailers – and their suppliers.

Clare Bocking

Managing Director Immediate Impact Ltd

Clare is a high-impact Executive Director who is passionate about accelerating company performance through culture and talent.  

30 years of corporate leadership success started with Mars as a graduate recruit. Her career continued with major global branded manufacturers including Britvic Soft Drinks, Kerry Foods, McCormick and Danish Crown.  

Clare gained a distinction in a Diploma in Organisational Change at Warwick Business School in 2023.  

A passionate advocate of industry diversity and talent, Clare is Chair and a Coach for Women & Diversity in Wholesale, and supports an industry mentoring scheme. Clare is also the creator and organiser of ‘Destination 2025’ – a must attend industry conference in January 2024.