Historic Glasgow wholesaler JW Filshill hails ‘robust’ results as NI hike bites

The firm, which is based at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport, is one of the country’s longest established wholesalers, supplying KeyStore convenience stores and independent retailers across Scotland and the north of England.

Its accounts for the year ending January 31, 2026 show that turnover remained steady at £213 million. Operating profit fell to £4.1m, against £5m the previous year, amid hikes in employers’ national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. The company also invested heavily in product development relating to its growing Eldorado Tonic Wine brand.

Profit before tax jumped 72 per cent, year on year, to £8.4m, primarily due to the revaluation of its investment properties, in particular its former headquarters at Ainslie Avenue, Hillington, from where the business relocated in 2023.

Keith Geddes, chief financial and operating officer, said: “We have continued to deliver against our clearly defined corporate strategy and ambitions and drive efficiency throughout our operation. This improved efficiency is more essential than ever given the increase in costs driven mainly by changes to fuel, living wage and employers’ national insurance costs.

“The directors are pleased with the company performance and are confident that profits will continue at a satisfactory level going forward.

“The long-term success of the company is central to everything we do,” he added. “We invest heavily in long-term return projects to protect future revenue streams. This includes constantly updating our technology, equipment, and vehicle fleet on an ongoing basis - an approach that has resulted in greater efficiencies and customer satisfaction.”