The KS Forums - Supply Matters - In partnership with Prestige Purchasing

As part of EP’s new series of forums being launched, we are delighted to launch one in relation to supply and procurement.

The challenges that face our sector are arguably greater than at any time in living memory. Before the outbreak of coronavirus, Hospitality and its supply chains were the third largest UK employer, and contributed over £150bn GVA to the UK economy.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has cost Hospitality dearly, with an average of over £200m of lost sales every week during 2020. The sector and its supply partners have sustained huge structural damage, which has weakened balance sheets and raised the level of risk for all.

Now we need to look ahead at recovery and rebuilding.

What are the challenges?

· BALANCE SHEET REPAIR – The speedy generation of positive cash flow during recovery will be essential to create stability, and support investment, both in assets and jobs. A laser-like focus on increasing efficiency and reducing waste is therefore essential.

· SUSTAINABILITY – As we emerge from the pandemic we must also place a high level of focus on to potentially greater threats, including Global Heating and our impact upon Nature and Bio-diversity, if an environmental catastrophe is to be avoided.

· TECHNOLOGY – The role of Science and Technology within food and drink presents our sector us with innumerable opportunities to innovate to overcome our challenges if we are prepared to engage and invest.

The Forum

The aim of the forum is to share knowledge, ideas and solutions. It is about ensuring that we learn and rebuild knowledge together.

Key areas of focus to include:

· ONE VALUE-CHAIN

· LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

· SMART SUPPLY CHAINS

· LOW WASTE & SUSTAINABILITY

· INNOVATION & NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

This impacts on all companies and is one of the major topics of consideration.

Please feel free to get in touch to find out more at lauran.bush@epmagazine.co.uk