Page 9 - Newsbites March 2019

(Frustratingly stock will increase for certain brands for Brexit contingency through February to April) Forecasting: The main area of focus in 2019 will be around Forecasting and driving further improvement and refinement of the Forecasting processes and surgeries. In 2018 we have made a great start, with processes and ways of working put in place. From a weight-lifting analogy - we’ve lifted that heavy weight off the floor - now in 2019 we need to get it to the next level (up to our chins!) Jon Barker has now left the business, and Sean Cunningham will add this responsibility to his current role to lead and drive froward this initiative. A new position of Forecast Manager has been recruited and this will commence in May and will report into Sean to add support to this critical area. Our current service levels on despatch have improved slightly to just over 90% - but we all have more to aim for - hence the drive in this area. Collaboration is key to better alignment on a volume forecast number. Please continue to give these your full support. Standard Brands Operations. Standard Brands sales having grown by 35% in 2018 and have another ambitious year of growth planned. Jodie Courts, Operations Manager, will continue to focus on Standard Brands operations and help the team to deliver and unlock these plans. Customer Order & Delivery Efficiency. Declan has analysed our customer order to delivery profile in great detail - and there are many areas where we could be more efficient and save costs for both SHS and the customer. Declan, Julie McCrea and Rob Slater are currently finalising plans on how improvements can be made. This plan will be rolled out in Q2 2019. 9