Release Date: 17 February, 2003
Following the huge success of the pilot retail supply chain partnership forum, a second forum will start in February 2003. The aim this time is to make even bigger cost savings for retailers and their suppliers and to maximise the reach of the project. Lisa Benson from Envirowise says: 'The impetus for the second scheme came from retailers themselves. There is a strong desire amongst retailers to work more efficiently and sustainably with their supply chains'.
Envirowise will work in partnership with the British Retail Consortium and Action Energy to deliver the forum to some eight major household retailers, including Boots and Safeway. Nicola Ellen, Strategy Manager - CSR for Safeway said: 'We are delighted to be involved in this forum with Envirowise. Environmental sustainability and supply chain partnerships are an important part of Safeway's strategic direction. This forum gives us an opportunity to marry the two effectively'.
As with the pilot forum, the principles behind the scheme are simple. Envirowise recruit 'host' companies to take part, each host company invites their key suppliers to join them in a partnership to improve business efficiency through minimising waste and maximising cost savings, and Envirowise offers help and practical advice on how they can achieve this. It all starts with a launch event at the host company for their suppliers. Envirowise explains the benefits of waste minimisation and illustrates practical ways companies can work together to seek out improved efficiency. The aim of this meeting is to encourage buy-in and commitment to the scheme.
Following the launch, the scheme splits along two complementary routes. First, all companies involved are invited to take up the offer of a free FastTrack or Action Energy visit (available in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales). These on-site business reviews by an expert consultant identify issues and offer suggestions for increasing performance, minimising waste, becoming more energy efficient and saving money. Second, all companies are invited to attend up to three workshops. The workshops cover the 'big' environmental and cost issues facing industry: Waste and Water Minimisation, Packaging and Cleaner Design, Energy and Transport. The workshops are delivered by specialist trainers in their field and offer practical advice and assistance as well as loads of suggestions for implementing cost-saving measures in the delegates' businesses.
Nigel Smith, Director of CSR Policy for the British Retail Consortium thinks the forum offers exciting opportunities to retailers. He says: 'The BRC are delighted to be working in partnership with Envirowise. Our sustainability strategy outlines our commitment to improving resource efficiency in the retail sector; the supply chain partnership forum is a proven avenue for doing this'. Envirowise are planning on launching the new scheme with a bang. Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, will officially launch the scheme in February.