Chemicals Northwest, together with sponsors regional law firm Brabners and corporate finance boutique Brabners Stuart, held its first Supply Chain Forum event on 25 March at Runcorn Heath. The event was highly successful with all delegates expressing enthusiasm regarding the outcome and the future opportunities.
The forum featured presentations from four expert speakers:
Phil Browitt of Chainology who presented the results of Spotlight on Chemical Supply Chains in the Northwest, a survey identifying good practice and current issues in the chemicals supply chain. Phil outlined the results of the survey and the features of a world class supply chain. Phil observed that respondents to the survey where emphatic about improving the supply chain processes and had clear business driven supply chain objectives (although the objectives varied from respondent to respondent). Phil further observed that relationships were key to some best examples of adding value to customers and improving efficiency through supplier partnerships. It was noted that improvement opportunities included more use of optimisation techniques and a need for real benchmarks in addition to keeping an eye on new technology.
Neil Moon, Strategic Enterprise VP, Agility presented the EPCA study “Sustainable Chemical Supply Chains : The Path Forward” where more than 50 supply chain directors together with academics considered how to manage complex and uncertain supply chains, presenting good practice case studies. The study also considered collaboration for efficiency and sustainability (identifying the phases required for success, illustrated through industry examples) and the role of technology as an enabler (giving examples of recent technology applications).
Mark Turner, Head of Chemistry, Government department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) presented the work and objectives of BIS, pulling out relevant information for the chemical industry. Mark told the forum that the government’s strategy is focused on the rebirth of manufacturing in the UK. Mark also talked about the Chemical Growth Partnership, fronted by leading chemical industrialists and supply chain development group. Finally, the forum was encouraged to look into grant support for growth and developing skills.
Dennis Henderson, Commercial Director, Peel Ports described the port facilities and the chemical companies on the Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal. He illustrated the existing infrastructure and terminal facilities and the proposed developments including the new container shipping terminal in 2015 which will be able to receive post Panamex vessels and should help recapture Liverpool’s share of UK imports and exports. Dennis observed that the largest manufacturing base is within the North and 65% of the UK population is within 150 miles of the Port of Liverpool, making the Northwest an ideal location to pinpoint single distribution centres. Dennis also gave examples of how the Port of Liverpool is working on cross industry collaboration projects, such as combining wood and steel supply chains.
In addition to the presentations, workshops conducted during the forum considered a wide range of issues facing the chemicals supply chain, including managing safety, information continuity and track and race, relationship and cluster development, shortage of logistical assets, complexities of taxes and tariffs, skills shortages and the continuing need to drive down costs.
The workshops also considered the issues that participants would like to see addressed in future forums, identifying that participants would like to receive updates on regulations impacting the supply chain, information on and examples of collaboration in the chemicals supply chain, examples of good supply chain practice, updates on new technology and thinking and information on Logistic provider initiatives for all modes.
