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p.24 logistics 6:FOOTWEAR NEW TEMPLAT 10 08 20/05/2009 13:36 Page 24
Logistics
TALKING BUSINESS
UNIQUE FORWARDING
TNT FASHION GROUP
Cris Stephenson, Divisional trapping retailers between a
Managing Director, TNT rock and a hard place. They
Fashion Group maintains need to change to remain
that speed to change is more competitive, but in a de-
important than speed to pressed market they can’t
market: afford interruption. Should With over 30 years’ experience in the footwear
“I was struck by a com- they change and suffer, or industry, Essex-based Unique Forwarding Ltd.’s
ment Sir Philip Green made stand still and fail? team of footwear specialists in air and sea
on Radio 4 recently. Look- “But, change we must. transportation guarantee rapid delivery times in
ing at pressure on retailers Analysts disagree on what accordance to fixed timetables:
to be competitive in a rocky climate, he the world will look like over the coming Ryan Lucas, Sales Executive, explains: “The
said that the supply chain is everything. months and years, but it’s certain that it strength of any freight service provider lies in its
“No one would doubt his opinion, won’t look the same as today. The operational infrastructure and effective distribu-
but there’s a lot to that seemingly simple winners will be the retailers who can tion abilities. Our overseas network has been
statement. Sandra Halliday touched on change, and who do it rapidly. Twelve carefully developed over many years, throughout
part of it in the same programme. She weeks’ stock might simplify the logistics, Asia and the Indian sub continent.
mentioned the importance of fast but you pay for it in flexibility as well as “Flexibility, competitive pricing structures and
reaction to opportunity: in fashion, miss overhead. And, pushing the problem innovation are important tools for providing
a trend and it’s gone forever. Putting the down the chain to the supplier is a competitive advantages within the footwear
right product in the right place at temporary fix at best: you can’t risk sector. Most of all we believe in building long-
the right time is always important, but in supplier relationships for short term gain. term business relationships with our clients,
a recession it’s absolutely fundamental. “Brands like Jockey have been smart resulting in in-depth knowledge of industry
“Driving efficiency into the supply enough to see the opportunities in fast requirements giving us the ability to deal with
chain, and driving costs out, has to be a change. We worked with them to every challenge that may arise.
prime focus. I’m not going to preach rationalise seven warehouses into one – “Along with a footwear supply chain that
about reverse logistics, cross-docking, in seven weeks. strides the globe, dependability is essential.
consolidation and all those other big “Hard times demand hard decisions, Unique Forwarding Ltd has proven to be a
desirables. Most people know elements but rapid change now will ensure survival, sure-footed logistics partner to the fashion and
like these could make a difference, but bolstering your position throughout the footwear sector providing effective shipping and
between every retailer and the ideal difficult period and positioning you to distribution solutions.”
supply chain there is the pain of change. emerge as a stronger, more competitive “Logistics is the single biggest cost for footwear
And, that preconceived misconception is business.” importers in the UK, and with so many links in
the supply chain it’s a great time for importers/
buyers to see what’s on offer and start enjoying
the benefits in working with a dedicated footwear
3PL (third party logistics provider).
“Our business has grown on the back of hav-
ing some of the best professionals in place in the
UK and the Far East”.
Services offered include:
• Daily Airfreight consolidations into all UK
airports
• Air Express service
• Full container Loads services
• Part Load LCL consolidation service
• Weekend and out of hours delivery options
• Warehousing pick and pack, quality control
and stock management
• Product and promotional fulfilment
Information: Tel. 01268 240 890 Web:
www.uniqueforwarding.com
24

FOOTWEAR TODAY

JUNE/JULY 2009
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