B&Q partners form ‘One Team’ for Fresh challenge
The logistics partners of B&Q have formed the first ever cross-company team to enter The Fresh Connection supply chain training contest.
XPO Logistics, Wincanton and BRS have joined forces to take part in the UK & Ireland competition, run by SCALA Consulting, and help develop B&Q’s ‘One Logistics Team’ operational ethos.
Kingfisher Group made the ‘One Logistics Team’ approach a key requirement when it awarded long-term logistics contracts for B&Q last year following a strategic review of its supply chain.
Kevin Bennett, B&Q’s Director of Store Distribution & International Supply Chain, said: “I am delighted to see our logistics partners come together and truly form ‘One Team’ to develop their people and ways of working.
“The Fresh Connection teaches leadership skills through aligning corporate strategy & operational decision making, which makes it the perfect vehicle to develop a ‘One Team’ mind-set for B&Q’s multi-provider logistics network.”
The Fresh Connection is a global professional challenge in which teams develop supply chain management skills and leadership experience by turning around a failing manufacturing company.
Companies taking part this year include AB World Foods, Aramex, DHL, Kimberly-Clark and Unilever.
XPO Logistics, formerly Norbert Dentressengle, will also be entering teams as part of its Graduate Programme after winning the award for Best Service Provider in last year’s UK & Ireland competition.
XPO’s B&Q Account Director, Andy Hague, commented: “The Fresh Connection promotes internal and external teamwork and I’m very pleased that we are able to put those principles into action by entering a joint team with our B&Q partners.”
This year’s competition theme is supply chain collaboration, with cross-company teams featuring customers, suppliers and logistics providers being encouraged for the very first time.
There is still time for teams to sign up and take part in the 2016 event – contact SCALA Consulting on 01484 437 486 for details about the competition.
The Fresh Connection is supported by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Food Storage and Distribution Federation.
Kingfisher Group awarded logistics contracts for B&Q to XPO Logistics and Wincanton in August 2015 following a strategic review of its supply chain.
The Fresh Connection is a cross-functional business simulation which uses supply chain management best practices from real-world situations. The simulation has been experienced by more than 12,000 professionals in 600 companies across the world since its creation in 2008.
SCALA are based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and are leaders in supply chain benchmarking. The company also manages a Supply Chain Best Practice Forum for more than 25 major FMCG manufacturers.
