Pictured above: Simon Griffiths

Controlling purchasing costs can help companies in the West Midlands deliver the same bottom line improvements as increasing sales turnover by 50%. 

Oneflow's John Baldwin has teamed up with the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MAS-WM) to put on a trio of workshops designed to equip local firms with the tools they need to maximise their spend and get better value for money.

The first will be held at Stourbridge Rugby Club on July 5th followed by events in Coventry and Cannock on 6th and 7th respectively. All three will give purchasing professionals techniques for managing their supply chain and optimising escalating material spend.

There will also be a focus on the acquisition of capital plant so that companies can free up cash within their business and in managing non-core services and everyday utility costs.

"Purchasing controls up to 60% of all costs for most manufacturers so getting it right is vitally important, but something many firms tend to put to one side in pursuit of more sales." explained John Baldwin.

"It is the biggest opportunity to deliver 'bottom line' improvement, with just a 5% increase in performance equivalent to increasing sales turnover by 50% or more. These workshops will provide the knowledge to help firms maximise profitability by adopting good practices."

The sessions are completely free of charge to SMEs and will be delivered by Oneflow, who boast more than 60 years' combined experience in lean manufacturing.

In addition to core purchasing skills, delegates will receive a detailed insight into managing low-value purchases and embracing e-commerce, not to mention a guide to the 'pros and cons' of low cost sourcing.

They will also be given access to a self-diagnostic that will help them identify immediate savings and improvements in the way they operate. 

Simon Griffiths, Chief Executive of MAS-WM, urged companies to consider taking part:

"When we go out and visit firms they tell us they all want to increases sales, yet very few have considered improving their purchasing methods in order to become more profitable.

"This workshop will provide advice and guidance on taking the initial steps and then manufacturers can access more in-depth and specialist advice by undertaking a business review from one of our specialist advisers."

He concluded: "Delegates that attend can also benefit from networking with like minded businesses and can use the seminar as an official part of their continued personal development."

MAS-WM, which  is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has assisted over 6000 companies to improve their products, productivity, process and people, adding over £250m to the turnovers of those firms. 

Future purchasing related seminars will take place in October, November and December, entitled 'Getting Best Value from Purchasing', 'Effective Negotiations' and "Selecting and Managing Suppliers.'

To book your place at one of the workshops, please visit www.mas-wmonlinebooking.org or contact 0121 415 3761.