Chadderton business receives award for its commitment to developing local talent

Chadderton-based business LWC – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler – has been named ‘Large Employer of the Year’ at the 2025 Greater Manchester Skills Awards, in recognition of its firm commitment to apprenticeships and grassroots career development.

The award celebrates LWC’s growing national apprenticeship programme, which has created over 300 real opportunities since its creation in 2020 – with roles spanning warehousing, urban driving, business administration, and logistics.

All those apprentices have gone on to secure permanent roles within the business, contributing to LWC’s long-term success and helping shape the next generation of industry professionals.

From its Chadderton HQ, LWC has embedded apprenticeships into the heart of its business model, demonstrating how large employers can deliver both commercial success and lasting community impact.

As a company known for being a “national wholesaler with a local feel,” this award reflects everything LWC stands for: delivering nationwide service while nurturing real opportunity and skills development within the local communities it serves.

Dave Cole, Head of HR at LWC, said: “This award means so much to us because it’s not just recognition of a programme – it’s recognition of people.

"Every apprentice we take on has a story. Some are starting their careers, others are retraining for a new path, and we’re proud to support them all in building something lasting.

“We’ve seen first-hand how powerful apprenticeships can be, and this award celebrates not just the scheme itself, but the people behind it - those learning, mentoring, and making a difference every day.”

The recognition follows LWC’s £12.5 million investment during the pandemic in a new, state-of-the-art distribution centre in Chadderton, which has created local jobs, driven upskilling, and cemented the company’s long-term commitment to Greater Manchester’s economy and workforce.

Tony Marshall, Key Account Director at Learning Curve Group, LWC’s long-standing training partner, added: “LWC’s dedication to apprenticeships is second to none.

"Over the past eight years, we’ve worked closely with their teams and seen how much time, care, and focus they put into helping people succeed.

"They’re setting the benchmark for what a large employer can do for skills development, and we’re thrilled to see them recognised at this level.”

As a family-run business with national reach, LWC prides itself on being more than a supplier.

With a culture built around people, development, and service, it continues to prove that supporting skills at a local level is key to sustainable, long-term success.

Anyone interested in a career with LWC, or hearing more about its apprenticeship scheme can contact the HR team: hr@lwc-drinks.co.uk

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