Joint Industry Group Sub Groups Making Headway
11th February 2005
Good progress is being made by the Joint Industry Group’s sub committees, with a number of initiatives being pursued that should lead to operational improvements throughout the supply chain, JIG chairman Terry Perry said this week.
Mr Perry’s comments followed a recent JIG Stakeholder Committee meeting when senior industry representatives received detailed updates on activities and developments.
Mr Perry said: “There is a perception among some within the industry that progress within JIG is slow. It is therefore pleasing that JIG’s working groups are making inroads in addressing key areas of the industry which should bring about operational improvement throughout the supply chain.”
Among developments are:
- The introduction of revised best practice guidelines for voucher design and production and a new initiative to encourage retailers to redeem vouchers more frequently;
- The roll out of SBR trials - with the objective of embracing 2,500 stores by December 2005;
- Work is currently taking place to develop best practice guidelines for better communication of magazine launches and promotions;
- The Magazine Publisher/Wholesaler Standards Agreement has been updated and will shortly be published;
- From 1st January retailers have enjoyed the benefit of a minimum of 16 days to claim credit for magazine returns. Wholesalers and publishers are now exploring ways to increase the 16 day minimum to a 17 day minimum period;
- Focus On Distribution Initiative (FODI) A second up channel trial is underway at 3 wholesale branches to improve retailer delivery times and measure the resultant sales change.
