Multichannel
Our purpose and how we work with clients
We immerse ourselves in each business to make sure we have a complete understanding of objectives, culture and the limitations and constraints which will impact the delivery of a programme. We know the work that we do is business critical and has the power to a drive a logistics operation to new levels of efficiency, customer service or cost reduction.
We have accumulated vast practical experience of successfully delivering logistics transformation over many decades, with experience gained at very senior levels in retail and commerce. So, we are able to understand logistics change in the context of how it impacts across the business and in turn how success of the programme is determined by business wide factors. The success of this approach is shown by the extremely high levels of satisfaction we achieve from the largest to the smallest of our clients in the most demanding of programmes and by the fact that they come back to us again and again.
HOW
Talk to us
We are always interested in understanding the logistics and supply chain issues facing businesses
We give informal consultations without any obligations
You may have a specific issue that you need help on, or you may have a more general concern
You may not be certain that you need our advisory services
In any circumstance we are happy to talk
Recent Assignments
We have supported the changes needed across organisations that allow them to become more competitive and efficient
Providing a turn-key solution to deliver a major new fulfilment operation on behalf of a 3pl for a global retailer
Working on behalf of a major UK 3rd party logistics company (3pl) we created a new multi-channel fulfilment centre. Key features included:
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Specifying the size and type of property required
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Sourcing a new 320k sq. ft footprint building
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Working with the client to design all aspects of the operation and site fit out
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Tendering and selecting the contractors for the fit out
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Leading the fit-out programme
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Creating the operational team that managed and worked in the site
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Delivering the successful implementation of the warehouse management system
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Managing all aspects of the relationship with the client including negotiating the logistics services contract
The operation went live on time on budget and at the time was the largest new operation for the client. Within 12 months of going live the operation was employing 1,500 people at peak and was successfully serving one of the retailer’s largest multi-channel markets
Selecting a new logistics provider for a retailer’s outsourced distribution operations
FOR Partnership were approached by the executive directors of this specialist retailer to manage all aspects of selecting a new 3rd party logistics provider. This included:
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Collecting and collating the detailed data-set that formed the basis of the tender document
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Producing a tender document that covered all aspects of the retailer’s fulfilment and distribution requirements
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Evaluating all appropriate 3pl providers and creating a short list
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Issuing the tender, leading the 3pls through the tender and responding to all of their requirements for information, questions and clarification
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Creating a comprehensive scorecard for the evaluation for the 3pls response to the tender
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Working with the executive team to select the preferred provider
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Leading the contract negotiation with the successful logistics provider
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Reviewing and refining the operational solution
Our assignment delivered to our client a new logistics provider, for a new operation in a new site with a new contract. This assignment involved considerable advisory work on supply chain strategy to the executive team in addition to the tender process.
Cost reduction through the implementation of a major piece of automation for a UK retailer and 3pl
This involved creating an innovative solution to automation which delivered a rapid return on capital. Delivering a major fit out programme on time, on budget.
One of the UK’s largest retailers wished to reduce costs in a highly seasonal manual operation. The huge range of demand between peak and off peak meant that a conventional approach to automation would not deliver a business case. We created an automated solution using a high-speed sorter and a series of supporting technologies which delivered high peak capacity from a reduced capital spend. This gave a rapid return on investment.
The delivery of the automation was part of a larger programme which we led. This involved the complete fit out of a new 300k sq. foot print site. The programme included the installation of a large 3 tier mezzanine and associated piling.
Delivering operational cost reduction in fulfilment and distribution
FOR Partnership have delivered cost reductions across a range of operations. This is done by analysing the current operations, measuring key metrics and comparing against best practice.
Improvement are prioritised and the appropriate solution implemented. A highly pragmatic approach is always taken to deliver a very rapid return on investment. . The fulfilment solutions selected range from low-cost shelving and racking enhancements through to complete site redesign and major automation and systems implementations. Transport solutions are based on detailed modelling of actual distribution patterns.
These are analysed against a detailed knowledge of the costs of inhouse and 3rd party operations.
Warehouse management systems - Creating the design and specification for the international operations for a major global fashion platform
One of the world’s most successful branded platforms asked FOR Partnership to create the specification for a warehouse management solution that would meet all their operational requirements in their distribution centres on the East and West coast of the USA, Europe and the UK.
After visiting and assessing all of the client’s operations FOR Partnership worked with the client’s logistics team to create a universal warehouse management specification.
FOR Partnership used their extensive experience of multi-channel operations to create a specification for a warehouse management system that delivers a best in breed solution across all of their operations.
Working with major distribution property developers to exploit the multi-channel market
FOR Partnership have worked with a number of major UK and international distribution property developers, to create high specification property solutions to exploit the multi-channel and urban fulfilment market. This approach involves FOR Partnership using its detailed knowledge of the multi-channel market to create a design which meets the end users’ requirements. This reduces the level of tenant fit out which in turn drives greater demand for the property. It also increases the yield on investment and enhances the long-term value of the asset.
One client assignment created a design for an urban fulfilment centre in a 100-year-old listed wine warehouse.
Property strategy - by delivering value through identifying logistics uses for retail property
Working with one of the UK's largest retail property owners FOR Partnership reviewed their portfolio, assessed existing facilities and costs of conversion and identified a significant range of opportunities for logistics and urban fulfilment. The potential identified formed part of the strategic opportunities detailed at the investor’s presentation.
CLIENTS IN THE LAST 3 YEARS
RETAIL & ECOMMERCE - Inditex, Farfetch, John Lewis, Majestic Wines, Alyasra (Kuwait), Abel & Cole, Life Style Sports, Brewers, Bicester Village, Good Club, Esprit, Sarah Raven, Wright Bros, Fenwick, Woolovers, Browns, Primal Strength, Matchesfashion
LOGISTICS - Wincanton plc, Clipper Logistics, Geodis, DHL, Widem Logistics, Forth Ports
MARKETPLACES - Brand Alley, Secret Sales
PROPERTY - Segro, St Modwen, Pro-Logis, Hammerson, Panattoni
MANUFACTURING - Smurfit Kappa, Mueller Milk, Belazu
We work hard to develop a strong relationship with the clients and their teams.
Who we are
BECOME MORE AGILE AND RESPONSIVE
BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE
CHANGE IS NECESSARY
Ray Fowler
Director
Having been in industry and retail for over 35 years, it was time to take control. Ray leads the strategy, business change and optimisation areas.
Experienced in Retail and FMCG for the majority of those years, the focus is helping organisations adopt digital and improve their multi channel offerings. Simply put, leveraging what they already have whether that's local or global.
Tim Owrid
Director
+44 7743 812572
Working within the supply chain arena over 30 years Tim has an ability to work at both the detail level – addressing a specific operational issue and at the strategic level – positioning a supply chain to serve the changing needs of an organisation, adapt to new markets and deploy new technologies. Tim held a number of exec level positions in major retailers, ran large scale distribution operations, implemented supply chain strategy and designed and built major fulfilment centres.
Where we work
We are working on assignments around the globe with clients in many continents. A short call or request and we will be there to help you.
Drop us a line on anything you maybe interested in following up on