Founded by Mohammad Ramzan in 1977, United Wholesale Grocers Ltd began life as one-man counter grocery store in Maryhill, Glasgow. Over the years, the organisation has grown into one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK and now employs over 210 people with a turnover in excess of £220 million.

Food and drink have always been the lifeblood of United Wholesale having wholesale & distribution operations with a geographical spread across Scotland & the North East of England. United Wholesale’s success has been built upon a distinct culture focused upon positive and friendly relations with staff, customers, and the communities it serves. This culture is defined in United We Stand, a series of statements that outline the longstanding values of the United family and those that will continue to drive the company’s growth for the next century.

Est 1977
by Mohammad Ramzan
£220m
Turnover 2021
3
Depots
550+
Symbol Stores
210+
Employees

Our Heritage

1957

Haji Abdullah arrived in Scotland with an eagerness to do well for him and his family. He began by shadowing his brother in his door-to-door business, selling ladies & gents clothing in Elgin.
By 1958 he gained the knowledge to start his own door to door business in Glasgow. Haji Abdullah could nor read or write in English.

1974

Mohammad Ramzan, Son of Haji Abdullah arrived in Glasgow, aged 17. This was the second time he had met his father from childhood. Ramzan shadowed his father for only two weeks before taking over the family business. Later that year Ramzan further expanded the business by travelling out with Glasgow, covering Greenock, Paisley, Balloch, Dunoon & Rosyth by foot & public transport carrying stock in a large suitcase.
After saving up enough money working continuously, it was Ramzan’s time to shine. In 1975 he opened his first grocery store in Maryhill, 925 Bisland drive, which ran parallel to his door-to-door business. With the retail business booming, he opened a second store just over a mile away. It was at this point he gave up the initial family business to focus on his two retail stores.

1977

Within six months of his second store, his regular dairy supplier went bust. Seeing an opportunity, Ramzan quickly reacted, and began a delivered wholesale operation of dairy products from the back of his stores.
Ramzan purchased a 2000 sq ft premises to keep up with demand. He had put both retail stores on rent, in order to completely focus on the thriving wholesale business. United Wholesale Grocers was born.
Three years later in 1982, Ramzan purchased a 10,000 sq ft warehouse from Barries Bottles in Pollockshields, Glasgow, and further added soft drinks, household, toiletries, pet foods and grocery.

1988

Brothers Nabeel and Amaan Ramzan joined the business aged 23 and 18.

2004

Mohammad Ramzan launches his second depot in Polmadie, Glasgow, a 40,000 sq ft warehouse.

2005

Brothers Nabeel and Amaan Ramzan joined the business aged 23 and 18.

2006

Introduction of retail club and distribution services

2010

£112m turnover surpassing the £100m milestone.

2018

Acquisition of its Gateshead Depot. United becomes the first Scottish Wholesaler to expand into England.

2020

£216m turnover surpassing the £200m milestone

2022

35th top company in Scotland and No1 independent wholesaler in Scotland - source Grant Thornton report.

Our Own Label Range

Our award-winning own brand ranges provide a high-quality, affordable alternative to leading mainstream brands – perfect for any retail business. We already have over 200 lines across a wide selection of key categories, delivering up to 60% POR at very competitive RRPs.

Discover the Range

Our Pupose & Core Values

Our Purpose

To grow a family business in ways that are profitable and sustainable for the benefit of our staff, customers and community. United We Stand outlines the guiding principles that underpin UWG’s approach to business.

Our Values

The way we work

Lead and Influence

Create a ‘can-do’ attitude by involving your team and your colleagues in what you are trying to achieve – empower them, support and encourage them. Take responsibility for your actions and those of your team but if mistakes are made, don’t dwell on them – react appropriately and learn from them. Be your own role model and always lead by example. Develop a reputation for being firm, fair and approachable. Inspire and motivate your team with your passion and drive for excellence. Don’t be afraid to introduce challenging objectives but do it thoughtfully, and allow time and space for others to respond and ask questions. Take considered risks and don’t avoid decisions in difficult situations.

Respect and Value

CMake trust and loyalty a way of life. Be known for being truthful, reliable and consistent. Recognise and value people’s differences and respect individuality. Look for the best in people, let them know that you value them and help them recognise their potential. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated yourself, and go out of your way to encourage good relationships amongst your colleagues and your team.

Listen and Inform

Listen, ask questions and observe. Don’t jump to conclusions. Be aware that your first response may not always be the right one. Accept that listening is as valuable as telling. Encourage others to do the same. Always give feedback at the appropriate time and place and in such a way that people can improve and learn as a result. Make sure that you give people the information they need to understand what you are trying to achieve.

Recognise and Acknowledge

Treat all staff and customers in a courteous, friendly manner. Celebrate and reward success and express appreciation for what people are contributing. Be prepared to praise excellence and equally prepared to challenge underperformance. Always take pride in your work and appreciate what others are doing. “Thank you” is so easy and so powerful and can mean so much to people.

The way we act with
HONESTY & INTEGRITY

  • We are as easy to deal with as possible
  • We develop business plans with suppliers to support mutual growth
  • We work together to improve the package we offer to customers
  • We support local and small producers
  • We work together to improve product knowledge
  • We support suppliers that support us and expect comparable treatment to our competitors

THE WAY WE MAXIMISE STAFF POTENTIAL & THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMPANY’S SUCCESS

  • Maximise staff potential and their contribution to the company’s success.
  • Give great service to all our customers and add value to our trade partners.
  • Make a significant, positive contribution to the community.
  • Attain excellence in everything we do.
  • Behave with honesty and integrity in all our relationships.

The way we do
BUSINESS WITH OUR SUPPLIERS

  • We are as easy to deal with as possible
  • We develop business plans with suppliers to support mutual growth
  • We work together to improve the package we offer to customers
  • We support local and small producers
  • We work together to improve product knowledge
  • We support suppliers that support us and expect comparable treatment to our competitors
  • We measure supplier support in terms of price

The way we add
VALUE TO TRADE PARTNERS

  • We work with them to improve their business
  • We nurture a relationship that provides loyalty
  • We help them compete effectively in the marketplace
  • We help reduce their costs
  • We use our technology and expertise to help them

The way we make a significant positive
CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

  • We are as easy to deal with as possible
  • We develop business plans with suppliers to support mutual growth
  • We work together to improve the package we offer to customers
  • We support local and small producers
  • We work together to improve product knowledge
  • We support suppliers that support us and expect comparable treatment to our competitors

The way we attain
EXCELLENCE

  • We get things right first time
  • We encourage our staff to innovate and improve the way we do business
  • We hold efficient and purposeful meetings
  • We provide the right tools for the job
  • We measure our non-financial performance and benchmark the way we do business internally and externally
  • We do whatever we do properly or not at all
  • We use the latest developments in IT to improve the way we do business

Diversity Policy

At United we want to create an environment where all colleagues feel that they can be themselves and bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
It's our colleagues who have helped make us so successful. We are proud to have a diverse team who represent the communities we serve.

Our Diversity Policy

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