News
Daily Express April 2010
Stephen Bentley says 'Government needs to be forward thinking in its approach to supporting SMEs to grow in a rapidly changing marketplace. I'd like to see a simpler mechanic for stakeholder growth and support for companies that want to provide shares for employees. It would also be a positive step to have initiatives in place to prevent bad debts dragging businesses down' Click Here For The Article.
Real Business April 2010
Stephen Bentley, CEO of Granby Marketing Services, says goals are essential: 'In 2008, we decided to work towards the ISO 14001 accreditation to demonstrate our commitment to effective environmental policy. This involved setting ourselves the target of reducing waste by ten percent, lowering energy usage by five per cent and increasing recyclable materials by one per cent. We have new, increased efficiency targets in place this year'. Click Here For The Article.
Lancashire Business Review March 2010
'Businesses who actively discriminate are actually discriminating against their chances of success, it doesn't matter what your ethnicity, colour, gender, sexuality or age is, we make appointments based on the best available candidate for the job, simply as that' Click Here For The Article.
Business Green March 2010
Stephen Bentley, Chief Executive of Granby Marketing Services, explains how the popular environment management standard (ISO 14001) won him over. Click Here For The Article.
How to capitalise on the World Cup hype
The World Cup is a brilliant event for retailers, brands and marketers alike. Bringing people together, generating untold excitement, and as long as the home side stays in the competition, creating genuine optimism, it has the potential to give the UK economy a much needed, if somewhat temporary, boost explains Stephen Bentley, CEO, Granby Marketing Services. Click Here For The Article.
Handle me with care
The UK's handling and fulfilment industry is going through a traumatic time at the moment: service providers are having to cope with massive upheavals at Royal Mail, the impact of enviromental issues, questions over data security - not to mention the on-going effects of the worst economic down turn since the 1930s. Read the full article as PDF
Budget 2010: Entrepreneurs' reactions
Alister Darling has warned us to expect a 'workmanlike' speech. Commentators spoke of a 'phoney Bedget'; Nick Robinson, the BBC's political editor, said he'd overheard chatter in the chancellor's office earlier this week that there was "no need fo a Budget" at all since all the important decisions on tax and public borrowing had been made during the pre-Bedget report. Despite inevitable pressure to offer some sweeteners to voters including business owners, this was the first budget for a while in which entrepreneurs might broadly have been in sympathy with the City in wanting details of how the budget deficit would be tackled. Read the full article as PDF
Granby exhibit at Contract Pack 2010
Following our initial attendance at the contract pack show in 2009, February 2010 will see us exhibiting once more at this key industry event.
Taking place at the NEC over the 24th and 25th February, the exhibition showcases services including gift packing, hand collation, shrink wrapping, flow wrapping, specialist packaging, warehousing and distribution.
Following a year of sustained activity with brewing clients and experience as wide ranging as nappies and cosmetics, the new in-house flow wrapping production capability and the addition of BRC accreditation ensure there is plenty for the Granby team to talk about with prospective new clients.
To register for a free ticket to the event courtesy of us, please click on the following link:
http://rms.n200.com/index.php?beursid=1346&expoid=53102
or for further information on the event click:
http://www.easyfairs.com/events_216/packaging-event_7278/contract-pack-2010_7305/visitors_7306
Granby Marketing Services leads the way with two major industry accreditations
Granby Marketing Services has strengthened its reputation as one of the UK's leading providers of response and fulfilment services with the announcement that it has gained two major industry accreditations, the Accredited Response Management Scheme (ARM) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Storage & Distribution.
ARM is a joint initiative between three trade organisations - DMA, ISP (Institute of Sales Promotion) & ISBA (Incorporated Society of British Advertisers) and has been designed to raise standards and confidence in the UK Fulfilment & Response Handling Service Industry. It provides clients and agencies with a simple way of ensuring that a response management company meets a series of standards in terms of corporate and financial stability, training, staffing and facilities, security, brand and customer protection. In gaining the accreditation, which was awarded after completing a comprehensive assessment and audit process, Granby Marketing Services has become one of the first companies in the UK to join the initiative.
The BRC Global Standards are a leading global product safety and quality certification program used throughout the world by over 14,000 certificated suppliers in over 90 countries. Granby Marketing Service's certification to the BRC Global Standard for Storage & Distribution, which is achieved through audit by a third party Certification Body, ensures best practice standards are developed, implemented and maintained for the storage, distribution and contract packing of ambient stable food and non food products.
Stephen Bentley , CEO at Granby Marketing Services says: "The services we provide directly impacts on how our clients' brands are perceived, therefore we understand and recognise the importance of maintaining the highest possible standards. With these independent accreditations our clients can be confident that we have the procedures in place to consistently deliver outstanding response and fulfilment services."
For further information, click on the link below:
http://www.marketinguk.co.uk/Promotions-Incentives/Granby-Marketing-Services-leads-the-way-with-two-major-industry-accreditations.asp
Stephen Bentley, chief executive of Granby Marketing Services, explains why you should keep your customers close and your suppliers closer.
The recession continues to dominate the headlines on a daily basis, and in a number of guises, but generally it seems to focus on those who are struggling. Without wanting to belittle those battling it, there are also positives to be found in this tough climate. Businesses have been forced to adapt and evolve what they do. These adaptations, made in order to survive in a changing market, can actually have long lasting benefits to a business. In my opinion now, more than ever, it is important to find ways to work more closely with suppliers.
Over the last six months consumers have been reacting strongly against institutions and businesses they perceive to have broken their trust; and these feelings have spilt over into B2B relationships between client and supplier as well. Every aspect of spend is being scrutinised, from sterling to time.
In order to reassure clients that their investment is being spent efficiently, more transparency in our systems and communications is needed. Trust becomes almost a non issue when everyone feels they are being kept in the loop and aware of every stage of the fulfilment process.
Clients and suppliers can also save time and energy by starting discussions about particular projects in the early stages of the planning process. This means the supplier is able to provide invaluable advice at the start before time has been spent pursuing different options.
Suppliers must also help their clients by ensuring their own businesses are operating as smoothly as possible. Contrary to what you might expect this might involve areas that are sometimes thought of as "nice to have" extras. Improving our environmental credentials, with measures like the ISO 14001, can actually be a brilliant way to develop your client relationships.
The reality is clients are being more selective over suppliers they use and how environmentally responsible they are, so it is paramount that suppliers can show they are ahead of the pack and investing in greener processes and technologies. This isn't just a tool to help win new business either; we've found many of our existing clients were also keen to discuss how we could jointly make projects more environmentally friendly.
Finally and arguably the most important area which helps clients and suppliers develop closer relationships is the supplier's ability to be flexible. Often clients need bespoke services that cater to their specific requirements. So for example a client may need their supplier to have a very specialist piece of equipment to complete a job.
Rather than struggling to find someone with this equipment or having to compromise on which supplier you use, it's often possible to come to some arrangement whereby the client purchases the desired equipment needed to carry out a job but stores it at their supplier's warehouse to enable them to complete the project.
It's clear that for many brands and businesses times are tough at the moment - this is why a supplier that understands business objectives and delivers on brief and on budget in the most efficient way possible has never been more essential.
For further information, click on the link below:
http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/channel/business/news/927796/
Strikes cause "untold damage" to Royal Mail's reputation
In what David Cameron describes as an "appalling display of weakness" and Lord Mandelson slams as "totally self-defeating", Royal Mail workers will today press ahead with a two-day strike. Read the reaction from the business secretary and entrepreneurs.
"Royal Mail has to respond to the fact that ten million fewer letters are being posted each day than three years ago and total mail volumes have fallen by a further eight per cent in the first half of this year," says Mandelson. "In other words, if it stands still, this company faces terminal decline."
"I very much regret what is happening. Candidly, I think it is totally self-defeating for our postal services and those who work to deliver them," he continues. "Taking industrial action will not resolve this dispute. It will only serve to drive more customers away from Royal Mail."
Lord Mandelson says that small businesses will be looking on with "anger and exasperation". Just as there are signs of the economy recovering and the prospects for their businesses are improving, strikes now will set them back and put their businesses in jeopardy.
Stephen Bentley , chief executive at Granby Marketing Services, accuses the Royal Mail of being "notoriously weak" when it comes to working with small businesses. "I'd expect that many businesses are getting very close to either switching or at least widening their supplier base to include alternative downstream access providers," he says. "While the strikes continue to do untold damage to Royal Mail's reputation, it's a great time for competitors such as TNT to steal a march and capitalise on the goodwill that will inevitably come their way if they can step in to fill the resulting void. However efficient the competition is, however, we'll still face the problem of the Royal Mail controlling the 'final mile'."
Stefan Foryszewski, co-founder of OB10, agrees that the strike will cause serious cash-flow headaches for SMEs. "Not only has your business got to deal with the likelihood that invoices may not arrive but also that your customers' payments are going to be late, lost among the millions of letters held up in warehouses."
"Over the past few weeks we've seen big companies, such as Amazon and John Lewis, turn their backs on the Royal Mail. They are huge multi-national companies - they can afford to do that," he continues. "Small businesses, on the other hand, and those who are most likely to suffer from a number of late payments, cannot easily avoid using such services. This is where e-invoicing can help."
Stuart Wallis of ISL Tours, a football tournament tour operator, says he's already turned his back on Royal Mail. "This week we launched our 2010 Football Tour Brochure and sent out 20,000 digital copies in our digital letterhead. This would have cost us over £20,000 using traditional paper and post methods, costs which would normally be bundled into our retail price."
As well as having no worries about brochures being delayed in the strike, Wallis says this digital approach has helped to speed up the sales process and cash flow, reduce operating expenses and open up new routes to market. "We are doing our bit for the planet at the same time," he says.
For further information, click on the link below:
http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/leadership/5707821/strikes-cause-untold-damage-to-royal-mails-reputation.thtml
Granby Expands New Business Team
Granby Marketing Services are pleased to announce the
appointment of Monique Roberts as a New Business Manager. Monique (pictured)
will be working within the Sales & Marketing team whilst being based in the
heart of London.
Monique has a great deal of experience and will be
promoting Granby's range of services to potential clients with a specific focus
on agencies in the London and Manchester districts.
Sales and Marketing
Director Stewart Oxley stated:
"Monique will
provide Granby with a direct link to the agency sector of our industry and the
development of this role highlights the importance with which we view these
relationships
".
Business Survival in a Recession
In a recent interview with Brand Republic, Chief Executive Stephen Bentley gives reasons for the growth of outsourcing in the current economic downturn.
Growing Business - Cementing Loyalty
In an interview with Growing Business, GMS Chief Executive Stephen Bentley provides team building tips and gives advice on how to improve staff morale.
Granby Marketing 'Going Green'
Granby Marketing Services has been awarded with the ISO14001 environmental accreditation, after demonstrating consistent legislative and operational control of its environmental aspects. The framed certificate was handed over to Granby Chief Executive Stephen Bentley by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Mike Damms (pictured far right). The official presentation took place at a recent Chamber event held at Whalley Abbey on Tuesday 9th December.
In order to receive the award, Granby has improved management of its environmental risk and has established a more efficient usage of raw materials which has in turn lead to enhanced performance and cost reductions. The ISO14001 certification demonstrates that Granby are managing operational impacts on the environment in both the short term and long term whilst creating a better working environment for both staff and other users of the local area. Stephen Bentley, CEO of Granby Marketing Services stated:
" This accreditation is vital for our industry if we are to do all we can to be environmentally responsible. I am really pleased that Granby Marketing Services has been successful in achieving internationally recognised environmental controls. The award reflects the hard work of all the staff engaged in our business. It is an independent endorsement of our commitment to social responsibility, through minimising the impact on the environment."
Granby Marketing Services provides handling and fulfilment services to blue-chip clients, sales promotion agencies and public sector organisations. For further information on the Chamber of Commerce, click on the following link:
ISP Certificate
Congratulations to Granby Marketing Account Executive Marie Riley who has successfully completed her ISP Certificate and gained a distinction. Marie, pictured, was recently presented with her certificate at the House of Commons in London at the annual ISP presentations. Marie stated:
"I thoroughly enjoyed undertaking the ISP certificate and the presentation ceremony was very special to me. I would fully recommend the course to anyone who is looking to develop their skills"
For more information on the courses available at the Institute of Sales Promotion, please click on the following link:
Granby Working on Premium Branded Beer Glass Project
Duvel Moortgat Ltd, one of Belgium's best known speciality beer producers, has recently appointed Granby Marketing Services to undertake the fulfilment of its premium brand beer glasses to their on-trade customers in the UK. Since 1871, Duvel have produced authentic speciality beers and premium brands to an international customer base. Their brands today include Duvel, Vedett, Liefmans and Maredsous to name a few. Additional information about Duvel and their brand portfolio can be found on their website, www.duvel.com
Granby will be providing a complete fulfilment solution from the sales force order handling, through to pick, pack and despatch of premium branded beer glasses. For this campaign, Granby has teamed up with James Clay & Sons. James Clay imports a wide variety of speciality beers into the UK including the Duvel Moortgat brands. Granby will be working in conjunction with James Clay to distribute an extensive range of branded beer glasses and products to the UK on-trade. Further details about the services offered by James Clay & Sons can be found on their website, www.beersolutions.co.uk
Business Development Manager from Granby stated, "The team at Granby is looking forward to working with James Clay & sons and Duvel. This response handling solution will allow the Duvel field sales team to focus more time on account development activities going forward"
Company Charity 2009
Granby Marketing Services have selected Macmillan Cancer Support as the company charity for 2009. Various fundraising activities will take place throughout the year and all proceeds will be donated to Macmillan.
Macmillan Cancer Support Homepage
MindWare Appoints Granby to handle Mail Order Account
Children's toy manufacturer MindWare has appointed Granby Marketing Services to undertake the handling, fulfilment and distribution of it's catalogue service. The U.S. based firm produces educational toys, books, games and activities for children of all ages. The new 2008 catalogue was launched in August and Granby is working to develop a solution that will provide a successful and efficient online shopping service. Granby Chief Executive, Stephen Bentley said:
'Consumer online spending is increasing considerably faster than the traditional in store experience which has given Mindware the opportunity to expand into the UK.'
For more information on the campaign, please click on the following website links:
Granby Marketing Services Receive Two Business Awards
Image above: Chief Executive Stephen Bentley attending the 2008 awards ceremony.
Granby Marketing Services, the UK leader in response and fulfilment management, has been awarded a Highly Commended certificate for both the Marketing and PR Business of the Year award and the International Trade Business of the Year award at this year's Lancashire Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business Awards. This annual celebration recognises the achievements and successes of local business. Both innovative and forward-thinking companies vying for the awards attend the President's Award Ball, held earlier this month in Accrington on September 12th.
The Marketing and PR Business of the Year award was hotly contested this year, with businesses being tasked to show both innovative and effective solutions when achieving the required results. Granby used its award entry to highlight its work with blue chip clients, charities and public sector organisations - using a diverse range of tools, from customer services and call centres through to promotion, distribution and e-commerce.
The International Trade Business of the Year category looks more specifically at organisations that have made an outstanding achievement in both exporting and importing. Granby has launched it's international credentials this year and attended several events in North America with the aim of making new business contacts that are looking to deliver services in the UK. This new business push by Granby has been very fruitful and has led to a number of new contracts including the toy manufacturer MindWare and offshore finance/pre paid credit card company IDT Finances.
Sales & Marketing Director of Granby Marketing Services, Stewart Oxley was pleased with the awards, commenting:
'We've had a busy year juggling difficult hours and punishing two day turn-around on pitches to gain success in the international market place. Getting to the shortlist and then achieving a highly commended status in two categories for these awards is a great achievement.'
Any Questions? Contact Granby for further information