National Buying Consortium (NBC), the member-owned buying group for independent foodservice wholesalers and cash & carries, announces the appointment of Jo Wrate, Trading Director at VSL Trade, as Member Director.
The appointment took effect on 11 November 2026.
Wholly owned by its members, NBC places member representation at the heart of its development. The Member Director role is critical to ensuring that member shareholders’ interests are represented and considered as the group develops its supplier relationships and responds to members’ requirements.
Statement from Kevin Jopson, NBC Chairman
“We’re delighted to welcome Jo as Member Director. Our members are at the heart of NBC, and this role helps ensure their voices shape the group’s future. We look forward to working with Jo to strengthen our supplier partnerships and support our members as we grow together.”
Jo brings experience across FMCG manufacturing, wholesale and retail, having held roles at Müller Dairy, Kerry Foods, Poundland and A.F. Blakemore. In her current position at VSL Trade, she is responsible for developing the FMCG business, working with suppliers and customers to grow the product range, build partnerships and identify new commercial opportunities.
VSL Trade is the largest UK specialist vaping distributor, with a rapidly growing FMCG and toys business, supporting independent retailers nationwide through its trade app and national field sales team.
Her experience across different parts of the supply chain brings a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, particularly in the independent convenience sector. Her collaborative, practical approach aligns with the member-focused purpose of the role.
As Member Director, Jo will support NBC’s leadership team, share members’ views and concerns, and offer feedback on the group’s plans and supplier relationships. She will also take part in board meetings and events that bring suppliers and members together.
The appointment provides an opportunity for Jo to contribute her commercial experience and member perspective to the group’s ongoing development.
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