Overview
Banner Business Supplies Ltd is the foremost independent distributor of office stationery, technology products, consumables, and workplace services in the UK and Ireland. With more than 400 suppliers and thousands of customers they provide global solutions for prestigious multinational clients and organisations within both the public and private sectors.
Testimonial
"de Poel Consulting has effectively helped Banner Business Supplies to dramatically reduce our labour spend.
Through a constructive consultative procedure of analysis, de Poel has effectively pinpointed key areas within our business that have benefited from streamlining and heightened levels of structural efficiency. By condensing the number of our suppliers, introducing a cutting-edge invoice processing system, and compiling a panel of hand-picked recruitment agencies who were prepared to work with us on fixed standardised rates, we have been able to see remarkable results in only a few short months.
The fact that no capital outlay was required initially gave us the confidence to take up de Poel's unique bespoke services. Whilst remaining healthily sceptical at the beginning, de Poel lived up to its reputation and promise and promptly delivered results in terms of cost savings and service improvements. By using tried and tested methods that were customised to suit our own specific requirements, de Poel provided significant savings to Banner Business Supplies in just 4 months. And what is more, this included the implementation process! These remarkable results exceeded all our expectations and have made for a very successful and mutually beneficial business partnership."
Case Study
Client background:
Banner Business Supplies Ltd is the foremost independent distributor of office stationery, technology products, consumables, and workplace services in the UK and Ireland. With more than 400 suppliers and thousands of customers they provide global solutions for prestigious multi-national clients and organisations within both the public and private sectors.
Banner Business Supplies also offers a portfolio of over 1,500 Banner-branded products. The Banner range includes everyday office items: paper and envelopes, desktop accessories, hygiene products, files and folders. In addition, they also stock all of the leading brands including: Bic, Fellowes, 3M, Acco, Uni-ball, Esselte, Avery, Pentel, Postsafe, Kimberly Clark, Rapesco, Durable, Helix, Masters, Nestle, Black n' Red, Pritt, IXL and Stabilo.
Early problems:
Significant annual spend (£2million) on contingent workforce in the UK and Ireland. More than 43 suppliers across the company's 16 sites, resulting in considerable fragmentation of spend. Inconsistent levels of supplier service, rates and varying margins. Associated processing of more than 2,200 invoices per year, leading to considerable administrative strain with no visibility or way of monitoring spend and generating reports.
The solution:
Reduce the cost of temporary agency labour procurement and streamline the temporary agency recruitment process by consolidating suppliers and recruitment agencies, implementing formal service agreements with standardised charge rates and Key Performance Indicators, introducing formal audits and establishing routine meetings between client and vendor. Increase timesheet and invoice accuracy whist minimising administration costs by installing a timesheet and invoice processing system.
The approach:
Utilise de Poel as a vendor-neutral managed service provider with a proven reputation to oversee the implementation of customised cost reduction solution. This includes supervising the entire process from the selection of suppliers and recruitment agencies to the establishment of a formal agency fee structure. Employ de Poel's unique and innovative, timesheet and invoice processing system, e-tips®.
Implementation:
In order to understand Banner Business Supplies specific staffing needs, agency expenditure and service levels, de Poel undertook a thorough analysis of all 16 site locations. Upon completion, de Poel drafted up a list of recommendations. These included the rationalisation of suppliers, a new pay-charge structure and the utilisation of a web-based invoicing system. These proposals were submitted to Banner Business Supplies' senior management team for approval. A dedicated de Poel Account Manager was enlisted to act as a first point of contact for the client and to oversee operations.
Implementation of de Poel's tailored solution began simultaneously across all locations in September 2006. Once the new supply process was outlined, de Poel invited all existing vendors to attend a series of seminars across the country explaining the new supply process. Those wanting to retain their status as a supplier were asked to put forward a detailed supply proposal. From these responses de Poel was able to create a new panel including 26 hand-picked agencies to cover all Banner Business Supplies' staffing needs.
e-tips®, de Poel's web-based timesheet and invoice processing system, was installed throughout all client and agency sites and all relevant staff members were trained to use the system.
The results:
Clear improvements in total expenditure achieved. de Poel delivered gross savings of 10%. The first four months of implementation resulted in over £30,000 in savings. Suppliers were reduced from over 43 to a more manageable panel of 26, offering improved service levels and a higher quality of staff. This brought about enhanced client and customer satisfaction.
In spite of major seasonal changes in staff requirements, panel agencies demonstrated their ability and commitment to supply. The introduction of e-tips® has resulted in over 2,200 invoices per year being consolidated into, electronic invoices, cutting back office costs dramatically and delivering significant soft and time savings.
Following induction of the process de Poel has continued to work closely with Banner Business Supplies through their appointed Account Manager.
A post-implementation meeting was held after three months to gain feedback on the impact of de Poel's solutions. The response was extremely positive, indicating that Banner Business Supplies were very satisfied with their high level of savings and specially selected panels of suppliers and agencies. An extensive audit of all 26 panel agencies was planned for the future to ensure ongoing supply standards and continual improvement.
