Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/464860
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice 28 | ANGLIA FARMERS looking at logistics and seasonal trends. The group has developed from a simple buying group to a professional procurement service. Ongoing growth and developments have allowed the group to offer an increasing range of products and services to meet the industry's expanding needs. The range of products and services on offer has extended from key inputs to include telecoms, electricity, vehicles, building supplies and white goods. In 2014, new business units have been launched in response to member demand, to offer both promotion and marketing services and support in identifying and applying for grants. This has further extended the range of expertise and industry advice available at the end of the phone. As well as offering savings and efficiencies through bulk purchasing, AF now operates as the full front and back office for its members, integrating all purchasing and invoicing. The organisation is the principal in all transactions, underwriting the debt for suppliers, and its electronic banking ensures that all suppliers are paid on time, every time. Bringing everything into one simple VAT account frees up members' time, allowing them to focus on running their businesses. Through an online portal, members can track their ordering and spend, with total visibility of the original supplier's invoice. A simple and transparent 'levy' system fixes the AF's income, which is designed to be not-for-profit. This high level of customer service even includes a remote monitoring system, which allows the organisation's fuel buyers to track levels in members' tanks and ensure that they do not run out of fuel. As they track the world markets daily, the buyers can use their knowledge and expertise to purchase at the optimum point in the market. By buying forward and making spot purchases, we can stay on top of volatile markets. This ethos of offering full support and exceptional customer service is at the heart of the organisation and its staff. Cost-efficiency is part of the package – AF's operating costs are less than 2% of turnover. Developing a trusted relationship with both members and suppliers, allowing them to take advantage of the organisation's industry knowledge and unique position in the supply chain, has been key to AF's success. A strong commitment from members, who guarantee to order their annual requirements through the group, further aids negotiations with suppliers, which are becoming increasingly centralised. Growth through collaboration Membership has grown from the initial 752 Norfolk-based farmers in 2004 by merging with other similar organisations and by referrals from existing members. It has expanded to cover most of the UK, and includes about 20% of Britain's dairy farmers. Collaboration has been key to AF's growth. Forming new membership categories and strategic alliances with other businesses has seen the Expert buyers secure savings across an extensive portfolio of products and services, and offer an unparalleled level of member service and administrative support this ethos of offering full support and exceptional customer service is at the heart of the organisation " "