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03.08.12 MusicWeek 21
packaging and we can do the rework here. “It’s not that common for music clients, but it’s available should they want it. We have done some vinyl special editions which would typically have been done at manufacture.” Pick’n’mix services offered by Gem Logistics’
menu include end-user fufilment, storefront delivery, distribution centre delivery, European delivery, international delivery, import, export, returns, bespoke packaging, financial services, secure storage, product bundling, shrink-wrapping, white label solutions, IT services, marketing and packaging - amongst many more. “We have a wide breadth of clients that utilise a number of services alongside a dedicated state-of- the-art facility that enables us to offer market leading and flexible solutions,” explains Lynch. Duke summarises Gem’s privileged position as having the robustness of a PLC but the flexibility of an independent business that’s responsive to its clients. “Our philosophy is ‘don’t say no’,” he explains. “We’ll try and find a solution until we’ve exhausted every possibility.” If Gem’s focus on the indie music sector –
particularly when it comes to the High Street – conjures images of more modest operations, you’d be forgiven for falling into a state of awe when you step into the Raunds warehouse itself. It’d have little trouble hosting the climatic scenes
of a James Bond movie, never mind the latest release from RSK Entertainment – one of Gem’s first musical clients. “We’ve purchased the building [outright],” says
Duke. “We’re very financially secure, which is something that clients want to know when they’re looking for a logistics partner. They want to know that we’re here to stay, especially when you look at the economic climate.”
“If an artist is making a live appearance, we can make sure there will be stock in the local independent retailer.
We can help drive a campaign.” STEPHEN DUKE, GEM LOGISTICS
There’s room for large and small clients within the modern, spacious facility and, importantly, there’s room for Gem to grow. “We have 35,000 pallet positions,” Duke informs
us. “So we have the ability to work with lots of different types of clients. We have planning permission for a two-floor mezzanine as well, which we can put up when we need to.” Raunds also boasts six level access doors and 21
dock levellers, plus ten dispatch channels using parcel couriering, a dedicated pallet network and deliveries.
ABOVE
Serious business | Gem might be reaching out to indies, but Raunds offers a major- scale operation to clients
What it adds up to is a facility that is storing and shipping millions of pounds worth of stock at any one time. Luckily, Gem has the means to keep its precious cargo safe. Full parameter fencing, third- party security personnel, level one Police response, bespoke anti-ram barriers at all points of access and state of the art detection equipment are just some of the measures in place to protect clients’ stock. On top of that, the centre’s fully backed-up
computer systems are housed in an environmentally monitored office. Duke himself would receive a text message if so much as the air-conditioning were at fault. With a full stock take of inventory every four
weeks, and high value and strategic SKUs counted daily, Gem was able to dispatch in excess of 74 million units in FY 2010-2011 with a current accuracy achievement of 99.99%. “We would certainly like to become more known
for the services that we offer and have more independent labels here,” says Duke. “I don’t know whether our medium to long-term strategy would include having a Warner or a Universal – [independents] is where we see our niche in the market place. What we want to do is have a portfolio of clients and be able to give that service to them moving forward. “We are growing in the music industry,” he concludes. “It’s time to come and talk to us.”
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