What Defines a Good Distributor Partner?

Principle Cleaning Services in the UK has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with its distributor, Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd. Jim Freeman at Principle Cleaning explains what he expects from his supplier.

“It is important to us that all of our suppliers share our commitment to genuine partnership working. We look to have trust in our cleaning products supplier to help us meet the promises we make to our customers.

“This is not only in meeting deadlines and supplying the correct products but also in being actively involved in sourcing innovative new solutions and guiding us through the range of products available.” He adds:

“Futures Supplies has helped us with exploring new cleaning products and have helped us incorporate these into our tender proposals. It has a very proactive account management team who are always on hand to offer advice and to provide support.”

Freeman describes Futures Supplies’ key strengths as being in its product knowledge, proactive account management and its availability. “It is imperative in a cleaning product supplier that we can get answers to the questions our customers raise. The management team are all very happy to support our business and regularly go beyond the norm in helping us meet the demands of our customers.” And he is confident that Principle’s relationship with Futures Supplies has had a positive impact on the business. “We have supported each other through our development and we have both benefited through a reputation for delivering a genuinely world class service.”

At Futures Supplies Mandie Kemp explains the company’s ethos. “We aim to deliver service, quality, value, and reliability with environmental consideration through continual improvement and technology. Our role is to deliver more than just cleaning products.”

Kemp continues: “Our role involves providing, through a dedicated account management team, the best advice on the right products to deliver value and quality, outstanding customer service, reliable and efficient deliveries on time, back office support, as well as delivering innovative and original technologies in both products and the services we provide.

“This begins through support at the tender process, the provision of on site training, regular meetings, reporting and maintaining high standards throughout the provision of contracts and beyond.” The distributor has always sought to be at the forefront of delivering new technologies, not just in the product range it offers but also throughout its business processes and operations. Sustainability has been at the heart of its drive to introduce new cleaning products. Futures Supplies also has a highly credible approach to climate change, offering Carbon Neutral supplies since 2006 and achieving a net zero carbon footprint. It worked closely with Principle in fact, when the cleaning company attained carbon neutral status and has been a valuable partner in its environmental management.

Read the full article at:- http://www.europeancleaningjournal.com/uploads/dist-focus-emag_0_6acf490161ce322e.pdf

Heavy Investment Provides Added Value

Mandie Kemp who runs Futures Supplies and Support Services, a distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial product has invested heavily in upgrading and streamlining the technology at her company’s south London premises. “We started up in 1995 before website and other technology was generally available and, as we know, it turned out to be a key development in driving the industry forward,” she said. “We have always tried to be at the forefront of technology and were among the first to offer an online shopping facility. Having such robust systems in place have certainly helped us grow our business.

“Our software offers a fully integrated suite of multi-user application software designed to enable us to support and fulfil the specific individual requirements of our customers. The software encompasses facilities for call management, sales order processing, stock control, invoicing, sales purchasing and van routing. And it provides comprehensive management control, including detailed sales, stock and purchase reporting.”

Futures Supplies’ website order processing system runs at a hosted data center linked to the company’s main office server via its own dedicated broadband line. This enables the smooth transfer of customer orders directly into the main order processing system round the clock. Orders are then allocated to a delivery route, giving the customer an accurate date for their arrival, enabling Futures Supplies to manage deliveries more efficiently, provide more accurate delivery dates and be more efficient with delivery costs.

The company’s delivery fleet is equipped with a Telematics GPRS tracking system that has led to improvements in routing and fuel consumption, and keeps customers informed about the location of their order during transit.

The Futures Supplies website, meanwhile, has recently undergone a major upgrade. The site already generates 70 per cent of the company’s business and online traffic and sales order volumes are increasing. And customers expect faster access to back office support and information, including their sales order history, proof of delivery and invoices and statements.

One facet of this is a fully integrated budget control tool that is widely used by the company’s contract cleaning customers, producing considerable benefits and efficiencies for them in terms of back office time, cost control and savings on management time. To set up, it simply requires:

• An agreed ‘materials’ and ‘rechargeable’ list

• The customer’s budget data uploaded from a spread sheet they provide

• A unique user name and password for the person nominated to place orders and for the customer administrator.

“Providing a clear definition between orders for materials and rechargeable, the system ensures that our client never forgets to invoice onwards for the rechargeables,” explained Kemp.

“The customer administrator has access 24/7 to download and monitor monthly spend, summary reports, products ordered by site and allow or disallow budget-busting orders at the click of a button. A copy of the order is generated as confirmation to both the person who placed the order and the customer administrator.”

As part of a quest to build long-term partnerships, Futures Supplies has also launched a number of partner website janitorial shops in a collaboration that aims to help its customers grow their business. The shop is accessed via a link on the partner’s website which enables their own customers to purchase an agreed selection of products. Futures Supplies takes care of the processing and delivery.

An unapologetic tree-hugger, Mandie Kemp is helping her clients make product choices with the environment in mind. Sustainable products are signalled on the Futures Supplies website by a green traffic light, indicating they have little or low environmental impact, are biodegradable, include recycled content or carry an authenticated ‘eco’ or green logo or label. Technology is also helping with the reduction of paperwork.

Integrated website

The Futures Supplies website dates from 2005 when Sean Heraghty of e-Business Systems brought in a proven e-commerce system that he then tailored to the company’s and its customers’ specific needs. A key requirement was for the website to be integrated with the system serving the back office, which processes orders and updates product stock and customer information.

“With an integrated website, orders taken on the website are automatically transferred to the back off ice system for processing,” Heraghty explained. “And on the other side, any updates made in the back office to products, customer details and prices are automatically transferred to the website. Other things like safety data sheets and product pictures can be placed in a folder which is picked up by the website.

“But you cannot buy packages that do all this – someone has to actually integrate the website with the other systems so that they operate seamlessly together. With a properly integrated set of systems, there should be very little additional administrative effort to keep the website up to date.”

With businesses so dependent on new-age technology, operational hiccups can prove costly. So Heraghty implemented a failsafe system that runs on a separate server and monitors the website every 15 minutes. “If the website doesn’t respond within seconds, it is then restarted automatically. So even if there has been a technical failure, Futures Supplies’ customers will rarely see any downtime on the website,” he said.

Heraghty added that flexibility was a key feature of the website, enabling it to respond to Futures Supplies’ evolving needs while providing the company’s clients with facilities they may not have themselves, such as the order budget control system. “This system can save contract cleaners a great deal of admin effort in controlling the costs of their cleaning contracts. So the Futures Supplies website is offering a lot of added value to its customers.”

Read the full article at:- http://www.europeancleaningjournal.com/uploads/dist-focus-emag_0_6acf490161ce322e.pdf

Futures Supplies Does the Double!

Celebrating the best of Croydon’s business talent, more than 40 short listed businesses out of hundreds of initial entries went head to head in the finals of The Croydon Business Awards 2011. The ceremony and Gala Dinner held at Fairfield Halls in April saw Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd presented with a fantastic double win on the night.

Mandie & Marc of Futures Supplies

Futures Supplies, a South London based independent distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial products business was recognised and rewarded for its exceptional commitment to delivering sustainable cleaning solutions and its CSR activities, collecting the top awards for both the ‘Best Business for Sustainability’ and ‘Best Business for Community Contribution’.

The Croydon Business Awards 2011 in association with Barclays have been developed by South London Business in order to reward and celebrate the most dynamic and innovative businesses in the borough.

Based in South London and this year celebrating its sixteenth year of trading, Futures Supplies was also ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Best Business for Training & Development’ and ‘Best Medium Sized Business’. No stranger to winning awards, the company boasts numerous accolades including the highly acclaimed ‘Golden Green Apple’.

Mandie Kemp, Managing Director says, “We are living, breathing proof that you can run a profitable, sustainable and successful business and still change lives through engaging and supporting the local and wider community. At Futures Supplies, we see supporting young people as our legacy. Give a young, unemployed person an opportunity …and you are helping to build the future for generations to come.”

CarbonNeutral since 2006, Futures Supplies’ objectives are to deliver service, quality, value, reliability and sustainability through continuous improvement. More details on the company, its products, services and CSR activities can be found at www.futures-supplies.co.uk

Going an Extra 1000 Miles!

Andy Hills Going the Extra 1000!

Taking an active approach in supporting Futures Supplies’ commitment to CSR, Office Manager  Andrew Hills will be taking part in the ‘UK End 2 End’ one thousand mile charity bike ride in May, all the way from Lands’ End to John O’Groats on behalf of his chosen charity Action Medical Research. 

Focusing on child health, Action Medical Research is a leading UK charity dedicated to funding for the very best medical research to help babies and children affected by disability, rare diseases and infections.  Andy is hoping to raise £5,000 to help fund their vital research through generous sponsorship.

As part of his training, Andy has already taken part in several of the charity’s 100-mile day rides in preparation for the massive 115 mile average a day he will be cycling. Starting on the most southwesterly tip of England, Andy and a group of other participants will pedal their way through the beautiful British countryside of Devon and Cornwall, the Welsh border, Lake District into Scotland and to the most northern point of Britain.

Celebrating its sixteenth year in business, Futures Supplies is an independent distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial products. Award winning and highly successful, the company encourages and has actively supported numerous fund raising activities including sponsored walks and skydives, raising valuable funds for charities as well as engaging staff with its community.

“I was encouraged to cycle to work as part of the company’s award winning travel plan and now enjoy it as a leisure pursuit. Whilst enormously challenging, I am looking forward to admiring the beauty of Great Britain whilst at the same time having a positive effect on my community by raising funds for this worthwhile charity.” said Andy Hills.

You can find out more about Action Medical Research and sponsor Andy by following the link  http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/ahills or follow Andy’s progress on Futures Supplies’ Twitter and Facebook sites.

Finalists Confirmed for Prestigious Awards Event

MORE than 40 local businesses are going head to head in the finals of the Croydon Business Awards.

Nearly 100 companies entered the main awards, organised by South London Business, with more than 800 further businesses nominated via text in the additional Shop Local categories.

The shortlists have now been announced with five finalists competing for the Best Business for Community Contribution award.

They are Chequers Contract Services, Streets Ahead, Futures Supplies, InJoy! and PJ Community Services.

Futures Supplies and Support Services Ltd is a local family-run distributor of sustainable washroom, cleaning and janitorial products has been shortlisted in not one but four categories including ‘Best Mediun Sized Business’.

It has a long record in supporting young unemployed people into work.

Mandie Kemp, managing director, said it was possible to run a profitable and successful business and change lives through supporting the local community.

Results will be announced at a gala dinner on April 13.

Major sponsors of the awards include: Barclays Business, Wing Yip, Rowland Brothers, Fairfield Halls, Croydon Park Hotel, zebra IT, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Whitgift School, Zurich Insurance, Croydon Park Hotel, Owadally and King, and ITC Concepts.

The Specialist…….. The Contract Cleaners Best Friend.

Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd now in its sixteenth year of trading has become renowned within the cleaning industry for its solid reputation. The company’s ability to deliver unparalleled service levels and sustainable cleaning products to cleaning companies throughout the UK makes it a force to be reckoned with!

Established in 1995, the company’s ethos is to deliver service, quality, value, reliability, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Today the company is recognised for its integrity and originality as THE leading independent award-winning distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial products to the contract cleaner.

Based in South London, Futures Supplies has been applauded for its exceptional commitment to providing sustainable washroom and cleaning solutions whilst it is also considered as an industry leader in embracing innovation and technology.

With an uncanny foresight, the company was early to embrace social networking believing this media is not just a trend but also a way to interact, collaborate, reach and build robust communities, whilst sharing and engaging with its customers and the wider community.

Having an experienced, professional, friendly and young dynamic team has given the company an edge. Consistently driving forward whilst embracing new technology ensures the company stays one step ahead of the competition and at the forefront of the industry.

Working in collaboration with cleaning companies, Futures Supplies offers real added value along with tried, tested and recognised leading brands. This coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the best possible choice of sustainable products to do the job and all from under one roof making them the perfect partner.

Focusing on where they can support the cleaning contractor in growing and nurturing their business Futures Supplies led the way in introducing sustainable products including the Ecover business-to-business range. The company continues recognise the importance of technology and innovation and is now offering ‘chemical free cleaning solutions’ including the pioneering Activeion ionator EXPTM .By activating tap water and converting it into ionised water, the ionator lifts dirt effortlesly from a wide variaty of surfaces including marble, glass, stainless steel, carpets and soft furnishings.

The company’s interactive and informative website www.futures-supplies.co.uk  offers the facility of online ordering and much more. A focus on tight financial controls especially in such tough economical times is fundamental to the contract cleaner and for this reason Futures Supplies offers a web based budget control system backed up by full individual site by site reporting. A great simple idea that helps deliver great service, cost controls and savings. Along with providing full product details, COSHH sheets and the facility to pay using debit and credit cards, the website has been totally designed with the user in mind.

Positioned as an industry leader in environmental commitment, Futures Supplies has one of the most credible approaches to climate change and this year achieved CarbonNeutral status for a further two years. Offering Carbon Neutral supplies since 2006, the company is proud to be the only janitorial company to achieve this recognised trademark, resulting in a net zero carbon footprint.

Offering customised training and support solution to the contract cleaner Futures Supplies also tailors its deliveries to perfectly fit their needs specialising in multi-site deliveries.

No stranger to winning awards Futures Supplies has a desirable array further endorsing the company’s customer service and green credentials. The company’s accolades include a highly acclaimed golden ‘Green Apple’ for environmental best practice and a Business in the Community ‘Big Tick’ for demonstrating that it is improving its business and its overall impact on society – in the marketplace, the workplace, the environment and the community.

Founder and Managing Director Mandie Kemp’s belief is that there is more to business than the bottom line. Futures Supplies has always been committed to the support and development of vulnerable young people most recently by offering an apprenticeship. The scheme aims to provide young people between the ages of 16 and 18 with real paid work and training, with a view to catalysing long-term employment, social cohesion and regeneration in London and the South.

Mandie says, Understanding the cleaning industry and the needs of the contract cleaners is a fundamental part of our business. We see ourselves as an extension of their business and work closely to deliver expertise along with exceptional added value every step of the way”.

Serious about its business, Futures Supplies is independently certified BS EN ISO9001: 2008 and BS EN ISO 14001:2004, members of the CHSA, CSSA and BICSc and provide the total solution for the perfect partnership, backed up by a full range of sustainable and pioneering cleaning and janitorial products.

Beyond all of this, it is refreshing to know that most of all Futures Supplies has a deep-rooted passion for its customers – it’s not just about what Futures Supplies say, it’s about what it does! 

www.futures-supplies.co.uk

THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS!

Sustainability is at the heart of our business. We are passionate and committed to ensuring that we meet the needs of today without compromising those of future generations through minimising negative impacts on our planet and our people.

Our values go far beyond that of profitability – the delivery of service, quality, value, reliability and sustainability through environmental consideration and new technologies we believe are key to a more sustainable future.

Through collaboration with likeminded partners and taking an integrated approach through the whole of our business process we hope to demonstrate that we continue to improve our business and its overall impact on society – in the marketplace, the workplace, the environment and the community”.

 

YOU’RE HIRED!

With a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, Future Supplies & Support Services Ltd continues to lead the way yet again and is now offering apprenticeships to young people.

The award winning independent distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial products is working in partnership with SLB Logistics Apprenticeship Training Agency.  Backed by government funds, SLB Logistics is responsible for matching apprentices with employers and delivering NVQ training.

SLB Logistics matched 18 year- old, Alex Miller with Futures Supplies and she has been busy working at the company whilst undertaking NVQ training in business administration. Previously at Bromley College but unable to find work, Alex as a result of this placement, will not only learn the skills to develop her career and gain qualifications but will also build her confidence and self esteem.

Dan Hills, Operations Manager says, “Alex will definitely learn new skills by working with us at Futures Supplies. We are a young and vibrant team and are delighted to be able to offer Alex this apprenticeship, support and after nine months the opportunity to secure permanent future employment.”

Based in South London, Futures Supplies has, for a number of years, offered work placements to vulnerable young people but this type of apprenticeship is on a total different scale. The highly successful and innovative business is now in its fifteenth year of trading and continues its commitment to ‘giving back’.

The company’s objectives are to deliver service, quality, value, reliability and sustainability through continuous improvement. With a special commitment to environmental sustainability it has achieved Carbon Neutral status and its latest product the ionatorEXP delivers chemical free cleaning.

More details on the company, its products, CSR and its environmental project can be found at www.futures-supplies.co.uk.

TRULY GREEN CREDENTIALS

Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd has long been at the forefront within the cleaning industry for its environmental commitment and is now delighted to have achieved CarbonNeutral status for a further two years.

CarbonNeutral is an established and recognised trademark and Futures Supplies is proud to be the only janitorial company to work in partnership with The CarbonNeutral Company since 2006. 

The award winning independent distributor of washroom, cleaning and janitorial products, now in its fifteenth year of trading, is positioned as an industry leader with one of the most credible approaches to climate change.

To achieve CarbonNeutral certification Futures Supplies has undertaken the required four-step process of measuring, targeting, reducing and communicating, resulting in a net zero carbon footprint.

Mandie Kemp, Managing Director says, “Many businesses talk about green commitment but can they actually substantiate their claims.  We are delighted to continue to work with this robust brandmark – cleaning supplies are an important part of the supply chain and we hope that by taking this action we are helping to reduce emissions for our clients too.”

Scientific consensus states that carbon emissions must be reduced by 80% by 2050 to avoid catastrophic climate change. Futures Supplies appreciates that it has an important and essential role to play in helping to meet these targets and carbon offsetting enables businesses to play their part in the climate change battle.

To balance out its unavoidable emissions, Futures Supplies has used its carbon credits to support sustainable forestry projects in the UK, a Shangyi Manjing wind farm project in China, an Indian Hydro Power Project and most recently the installation of wind turbines in northwest China’s Gobi desert.

The South London based business Futures Supplies is certified to BS EN ISO 14001 and has won numerous awards for its ‘green’ initiatives including a coveted ‘Green Apple’ award.  Its commitment to sustainability is further endorsed through the delivery of sustainable products including the ‘Ecover’ range of cleaning products, ‘Twister’ floor pads and the recently launched chemical free revolutionary ‘ionatorEXP’.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It is now 15 years since the birth of our business. We have worked hard, always believing that business is not just about the bottom line but much more – integrity, loyalty, respect for people, respect for the planet and giving something back.

A business built on a strong ethos delivering service, quality, value and reliability with a commitment to sustainability. Values that are at the heart of our business none of which we would compromise – this is who we are.

Collaboration between a valued and respected family – our team of well trained and motivated personnel, a trusted high quality supply chain and like minded loyal customers makes for a successful recipe.

High standards deliver exceptional results. Given the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise along with the inspiration and passion to support those that may be less fortunate we hope to help the whole world go round!

The fact these values are not always shared by others can sometimes make for a difficult journey but we still believe in these values, we uphold them – we always will.

Never has there been a better time to join forces with like minded business to collaborate and support each other. I invite you to join with us and celebrate – make the difference you want to see!