News: Scolmore International hosts Barloworld Supply Chain Software boardroom event
Global supply chain planning company, Barloworld Supply
Chain Software (Barloworld SCS), held its fourth Boardroom event in
March, hosted by Scolmore International.
The event organised by Barloworld SCS is a forum that provides
supply chain managers and professionals who use Optimiza inventory
management software, the opportunity to discuss particular topics
and challenges affecting their businesses and to share their
experiences and solutions. Each meeting is hosted by a
different organisation.
The key theme of the recent boardroom was 'Managing a Far East
Supply Chain', which Peter Bridgwater and Jonathan Rogers of
Scolmore International hosted at Scolmore's new showroom facility
in Tamworth.
Representatives from various organisations that use Optimiza
software participated in the event, with businesses ranging from
jewellery manufacture to personal protective equipment
distribution, all with the common criteria that they have suppliers
in the Far East.
During the event Peter explained how Scolmore had grown from
being a distributor of electrical plugs from a tiny warehouse in
1990, to now being one of the leading and most successful
distributors of electrical accessories and lighting equipment in
the UK. Scolmore's product range currently consists of over 4000
products and the international company operates from a 100,000
square foot facility.
"Scolmore's success has been built upon effective management of
a predominantly Chinese supply chain" explains Peter
Bridgwater. "The focus of the day was on how best to maximise
opportunities from these relationships, whilst minimising
risk."
Various topics were discussed throughout the day, including the
effects of anti dumping duties, trading standards relationship
benefits, container price hikes, trademark protection and Chinese
New Year management. The pros and cons of currency risk
strategies, the merits of JVs versus setting up a company from
scratch in China or Hong Kong and the benefits of having Chinese
speaking staff in the UK were also on the agenda, as well as the
big question of 'where to go next, after China'.
"Our thanks go to Peter and Jonathan at Scolmore for organising
such an interesting day" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of
Barloworld SCS. "The event was of great benefit to the wider
Optimiza software user community and, as always, was a useful
opportunity to discuss important supply chain and inventory
management issues."
Established in 1990 Scolmore International is a British based
family-run business in the electrical accessory market. Based in
the Midlands at a purpose built 100,000sq ft Head Office and
Distribution Centre, Scolmore is ideally located to design,
develop, manufacture and distribute its ever-expanding product
range throughout the UK.