February News - 2010

£40,000 record-breaking whisky sale!

WDF has scooped what is believed to be its biggest-ever single whisky sale, totaling nearly £40,000, and staff pulled together brilliantly to make it happen. Glasgow category manager Robert Bogle tells the story.

It all started when a collector, from Aberdeenshire inquired about a limited release 50-year-old Glenfiddich. I contacted liquor category planner Nick Wadia, who confirmed we would be selling it. I took the opportunity to tell him about the new rare Dalmore Sirius, also priced at £10,000, and he placed an order for that too. He went on to order more scotch, including two Macallan Lalique bottles at £8,500 each and two Macallan 1824 bottles at £1,200 each.

Nick arranged for the rare bottles to be sent from our Runnymede distribution centre to Glasgow and I contacted Mr McKay to let him know his order was ready. The customer then bought more scotch on the day, which took the order over £40,000, but with a five percent discount agreed by head office, Glasgow Customer Service Leader Mathew Watson ensured that the sale, totaling £38,222.27, went through without a hitch.

At Heathrow, Terminal 5’s Natalie Regan took him for lunch and gave him a tour of the terminal. The customer called me that night to thank us all for what he said was “outstanding customer service” and has since called again saying he would like another of the Macallan 1824 and may be looking for more high-value malts very soon.

Nick Wadia did a fantastic job in getting these very sought-after malts from our suppliers and I’m really pleased with such a great team effort.”

WDF supports Macmillan Cancer Support in 2010

Each year, WDF employees choose a great cause to get behind as our nominated charity for the year.

There are 2 million people living with cancer in the UK and one in three of us will get cancer. WDF is choosing to direct its fundraising efforts this year towards helping to make a difference to those affected by cancer and their carers. That’s why our nominated charity for 2010 is Macmillan Cancer Support. WDF canvassed opinions across the company, asking staff to put forward their suggestions.

Corporate brand manager Finn Lawrence was the man who raised Macmillan as a possible charity and put their name in the frame.

“There were many great causes suggested but I think the fact that cancer touches so many lives is what prompted the majority to vote for Macmillan,” says Finn.

Chair of the Voice National Forum Alasdair Garbett agrees. “Many people have been touched by Macmillan’s work and there was a strong desire among the group to work with a UK-based charity this year.”

WDF will be encouraging staff to hold their own events to help boost the fundraising and staff are now thinking about what their teams can do to help. Whether that’s running the marathon and donating proceeds to Macmillan, or getting customers to help fill collecting tins, everyone will play a part.

Macmillan does not receive any governmental funding and so needs voluntary support to provide their crucial services. As a corporate partner, WDF will play a vital role in helping them reach even more people affected by cancer and provide essential information, expert medical care, emotional support and financial help.