Background:
Cosmetic and beauty retailer, Bodyshop, wanted to upgrade the purchasing capability in its manufacturing operation and invited ADR to assess its requirements and support the implementation of any changes.
Aims:
To implement a purchasing change programme to improve Bodyshop's purchasing practices, tools and techniques taking into account its unique culture and principles.
Project:
Recognising the distinctive standards required for Bodyshop ADR devised a programme which approached this challenge using five key elements:
- Introduction of structured ways of working for the Bodyshop purchasing
organisation - this approach used ADR's toolbox including portfolio analysis, opportunity analysis and zero based measurement
- Training and development of Bodyshop personnel - purchasers and those who influenced supplier selection and ongoing vendor relationships.
- Coaching and mentoring of the purchasers - hands-on support in delivering the identified benefits.
- Specialist support in technically complex areas of purchasing.
Examples were:
- Third party contract manufacturing
- "Green" car fleet acquisition
- Marketing print requirements
- Rewriting Terms and Conditions of purchase to become specific on
"Against Animal Testing" and environmental issues.
- Developing supplier communications including planning and presentation
for Bodyshop's first Supplier Open Days (with Anita Roddick attending for
the full two days).
ADR encouraged the transition to self-sufficiency in Bodyshop by supporting the recruitment and introduction of a new Head of Purchasing.
Results:
The assignment delivered considerable reductions in the cost of purchased goods and services, and furthermore, gave Bodyshop a much more capable and competent purchasing team and supply base fully committed to ethical and environmentally positive business strategies.
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