Diana Spellman Nuffield Report 2006.pdf   Compromising Consumers Managing Convenience.pdf
	Market Report  July 2011   Market Report - July 2011.pdf
	Press Release  12 August 2011     From pasture to plate: Study shows British farmers can find fortune in foodservice   British farmers, who dig deep to nurture ingenious brand building strategies, can boost the uptake of their produce by foodservice operators and capitalise on a portion of the UK food and beverage market worth £40bn a year, reveals an award-winning report by Nuffield Farming Scholar and Managing Director of catering procurement specialist Partners In Purchasing (PIP), Diana Spellman.   With a scholarship from Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust under her wing, together with the support of HSBC, Spellman has embarked on a four-year exploration of trading relationships and of the economics, choices and attitudes of the farming community in the UK, Germany, Holland, Italy and the USA, intent on finding solutions to British farmers’ frustration at their inability to influence the factors that determined their revenues.   As a food broker within the foodservice supply chain – which incorporates such operators as restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and leisure centres – she challenged herself to deliver a series of guidelines for farmer producers of finished goods which helps them examine the commercial viability of their product and recognise foodservice as a workable route to market.   “The biggest barrier to commercial success in the food supply chain was a lack of understanding among different stakeholders of how other sections of the supply chain worked,” says Spellman. “For our clients, exclusive and premium products, quality ingredients and the service of delivery are the most important criteria when considering a supplier. Price is relevant, but only in terms of value for money.”   For every Pound spent in the UK, 38p goes on food, so producers more adept with a retail environment should understand how to effectively adapt their production and distribution to suit the foodservice sector and seize new trading opportunities. Identifying consumer preferences and the motivations of other players in the supply equation can be achieved through continual market research.   Supermarket chains are a power to be reckoned with, says Spellman, often imposing their own production rules in order to maximise their own profit. Farmers with only one source of revenue have no other outlet for their produce and must often surrender to supermarket demands to sell their produce, culminating in unfavourable terms or even losses. Foodservice is a viable alternative, but common perceptions are that foodservice is too small, fragmented and that it is difficult to set up profitable supply chains. This report challenges these views.   Consumers in the foodservice market place have been sending strong signals to food buyers that they want to eat safe food. Where has it come from and how has it been produced? The corporate staff dining market place is an ideal market for the emerging producer to test new products, where companies are supplying 1.5bn meals to employees. Mastering tricks of trade in this supply chain could eventually open doors to the wider 8.7 billion-meals-a-year foodservice market, creating the opportunity for farmers to benefit from high volume orders and long-term business sustainability.   Indigenous food consumption has dropped from 85% to 65% over 18 years and production of all food has dropped from 75% to 60%, but with the UK’s favourable climate for growing orchard crops and the technological advancements to create new varieties and attributes that will strengthen Britain’s competitive position, Spellman tells of a huge opportunity to capture consumer demand for locally produced fruit and claw back market share lost to New Zealand and South Africa.   Traditionally, Nuffield studies have sought to unearth best practice overseas, but Spellman’s breakthrough report – “Exploring how British farmers can develop a brand to market their produce to foodservice” – divulges revealing examples of thriving agricultural practices right here in the UK, despite stiff competition from imports of finished goods. She tells of tried and tested means to instil consumer confidence via recognised endorsement schemes like LEAF and Red Tractor and unravels the delicate art of product pricing to attract investment and generate profits.   Rewarding Diana Spellman with a Highly Commended Award for the quality of research and innovation delivered in her study and report, Nuffield UK Chairman, Tony Pexton OBE NSch said: “I don’t normally “mark high” but I feel that this report opens a very important door and offers constructive help on walking through it.”   “Exploring how British farmers can develop a brand to market their produce to foodservice", can be accessed via the Partners In Purchasing website under Press Releases http://www.pipltd.net   Alternatively, download the PDF using this link:   http://www.pipltd.net/Diana_Spellman_Nuffield_Report_2006.pdf   - Ends -     NOTES TO EDITOR   About Partners in Purchasing   Partners in Purchasing Ltd (PIP) was founded in 1997 by Diana Spellman and Nirmal Kalsey and has built a strong reputation as the leading catering procurement specialist in the UK. The company’s core values of trust, integrity and confidentiality are widely embraced in the day-to-day ethos of its operations and they are testament to its broad base of clients, which include blue chip financial institutions, independent contract caterers, universities, Government offices and residential/nursing homes. PIP works closely with UK suppliers, carefully selected for their high standards of hygiene, health and safety, quality and environmental awareness, to effectively manage product sourcing at preferential rates, to monitor pricing and to offer central billing and detailed purchase analysis. Partners In Purchasing Ltd is a member of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), the Institute of Hospitality, British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), the Association for Catering Excellence (ACE) and Arena.   Any feedback or questions related to Diana Spellman’s report can be addressed to her personally at diana@pipltd.net.   http://www.pipltd.net   About the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust   In the aftermath of the Second World War, industrialist and philanthropist Lord Nuffield initiated a travelling scholarship scheme for British and Empire farmers, in recognition of their contribution to feeding the nation through the war, and as a method of advancing and promoting the best agriculturalist practice around the world. Amongst the worldwide bodies that now support Nuffield Scholars are associations in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland and Zimbabwe, all of which fund their own Award scheme programme. Each year, the seven countries participating in the charitable scheme award approximately 50 scholarships to young agriculturalists. Since 1947, the Trust has grown from its UK roots to become a truly international organisation forming a strong network of some 800 Scholars in the UK and over 1,000 worldwide.   To find out more about the Nuffield Agricultural Trust, contact:   John Stones NSch Director Blaston Lodge, Blaston, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8DB Tel: 01858 55 55 44 Fax: 01858 55 55 56 Mob: 07754 852 188 Email: nuffielddirector@aol.com   http://www.nuffieldinternational.org http://www.nuffieldscholar.org   For media enquiries, contact:   Petra Clayton ClaytonGiles Ltd. The Mayford Centre, Mayford Green, Woking, Surrey, GU22 0PP T: 01483 740747 E: petra@claytongiles.co.uk
	Press Release  13 March 2009     Partners In Purchasing to Speak at IFE 2009 On Tuesday 17th March, Diana Spellman, Managing Director of the UK’s premier procurement agency, Partners In Purchasing Ltd, will be one of the guest speakers at the International Food and Drink Event 2009 (IFE09) at ExCel in London. The four day global food and drink event which runs from 15-18 March, will feature topical discussions and interactive debates entitled ‘Future Trends’, which will take place in the Seminar Theatre, offering visitors an insight into trends, forecasts and key issues affecting the future of the food and drink industry in this challenging climate. Speaking on the topic of ‘Compromising Consumers – Managing Convenience’, Diana Spellman who co-founded Partners In Purchasing Ltd in 1997, will provide an overview of trends in the procurement industry including consumers’ eating habits and the demands it faces. She will be joined by fellow speakers Peter Davis, Director of the Ethical Corporation Institute (ECI) and Stephen Minall, Director of Moving Food Ltd, Wrapid. Peter, who is Political Editor of Ethical Corporation, writes widely on the subject of social and political issues underlying social corporate responsibility (CSR) will report on sustainability with highlights from the recent research undertaken for Partners In Purchasing Ltd continuing monitoring of CR in the supply chain. Stephen Minall, who will look ahead at how using knowledge can be reused to benefit the supply industry, has an exceptional network within foodservice and retail food industries, developing branded FMCG products and amongst other successes, managing and owning restaurants in the USA. Diana Spellman, Managing Director of Partners In Purchasing Ltd says: “It’s important to examine to what extent the supply chain reflects consumer needs and how this can be addressed. Too frequently trends are confused by stakeholders in the supply chain and convenience can often profit the producer to a far greater extent than the consumer.  Long term trends are distorted by short term noise which can have detrimental consequences.” The seminar will reflect upon the importance of harnessing responsible decision making through the supply chain.  Creating good social values remains key and responsible decisions are going to remain driven by procurement. Adds Diana Spellman: “The industry has to remain at the top of its game and be forward thinking. We cannot second guess what consumers want but need to embrace change, social networking and the new ways there are to purchase, inform, educate and keep in touch with consumer needs.” Compromising Consumers – Interactive Lunch on Managing Convenience will take place on Tuesday 17th March 12-12.45pm at the Seminar Theatre. In addition to Future Trends, IFE09 will host some 1200 UK and International exhibitors in 15 dedicated product sections, a world-class line up of visitor attractions including Innovation Live, The Skillery sponsored by Silver Hill Foods. Pre-registering for IFE09 is available by www.ife.co.uk and click on the register button on the home page. ENDS Notes to Editor: About Partners In Purchasing Ltd Partners In Purchasing Ltd was founded 12 years ago by Diana Spellman and Nirmal Kalsey.  The company’s core values of trust, integrity and confidentiality are widely embraced in the day to day ethos of its operations and in the provision of procurement services to clients which include product sourcing, preferentially negotiated rates, price monitoring, central billing and detailed purchase analysis.  Partners In Purchasing Ltd is a member of the British Hospitality Association, the Institute of Hospitality, European Catering Association and Arena. For more information please contact: Petra Clayton ClaytonGiles Ltd petra@claytongiles.co.uk T: 01483 740747

	CR in procurement report.pdf Hospitality Magazine Article:  What price the moral highground?  Companies' compliance with their own environmental and ethical statements.    PIP Seminar Invitation.pdf   Caterer and Hotelkeeper Article: CSR - Policies must impact the bottom line.     PIP Seminar Testimonials.pdf     Press Release  14 October 2008   Panellists Reveal Distinctive Opinions on the Topic of Sustainability at Partners In Purchasing Seminar   On Thursday 9th October, panellists exchanged views on critical factors within the subject of sustainability in the hospitality industry, exposing various perspectives on this fundamental issue.  The debate, which was hosted by Partners In Purchasing, the premiere procurement agency in the UK, took place at Deutsche Bank.  It was attended by industry professionals who listened and participated in the lively discussion, centred around corporate social responsibility in the current economic climate.  What came to light is that sustainability is a complex concern, being tackled by different approaches, depending on the individual nature of companies.        Chaired by David Clarke, CEO of Best Western Hotels and chairman of the BHA Sustainable Forum, the first question posed to the panel was, “What does corporate responsibility mean to a company?”  Peter Davis of Ethical Corporation, who has over fifteen years of experience in the area of corporate responsibility, believes that, “It works well when companies focus on operational or commercial factors such as who the suppliers are and whether they are operating safely.  The key solution underpinning future sustainability is to incorporate procedures alongside the specific requirements of the business.”  Jake Saul Watkins, chef proprietor of Michelin-starred restaurant JSW, pinpointed that local sourcing is a primary concern for his business; “products taste better sourced locally.”  In a different snapshot of opinion, forager Miles Irving instigated that sustainability is something that companies tend to opt in and opt out of; “We are responsible for the influence and effects that we have; we must start from a social and environmental responsibility”, and, therefore, believes that these factors must be permanently engrained in a company’s repertoire to make a big difference.  Hamish Campbell of R-Oil, producer of rape seed oil, spoke about the role of awareness; “I’ve used it (corporate responsibility) as a marketing tool, but when I go to shows I use it as education.  From my point of view they (marketing and education) work together.”    The debate took a political stance when the task of educating people and enlightening decision-makers within businesses on the corporate responsibility agenda was deliberated.  Peter believes re-engineering the way in which the government does business so that it is easier for companies to function at a corporate responsibility level is the way forward and suggested companies should ; “Work out what you want it to do for your business.  If the current economic climate means that the flannel gets dropped, then all the better.”  Hamish supported that the answers lie with the government and said that, “Ministers are out of touch with reality when it comes to farming and the red tape issue must be re-evaluated.”  Contrastingly, Miles disagreed that the power lies with the government and argued, “I don’t really believe in the government as the lotus of power anymore.  What leads public attitudes is business.  I think the ball’s in our court; I think it’s absolutely incredible what Jamie Oliver’s done.  The time is right for business people to step in and help.”  Managing Director of Partners In Purchasing and host, Diana Spellman, summed up the debate by concluding, “The responsibility lies with us all to demonstrate transparent and traceable selection of products and services.” Therefore, despite the varying and often conflicting points of view on sustainability and how it should be implemented, the panellists were united on the motive that a combined effort on the part of the government, schools, businesses, marketing and the media to publicise and advise on sustainability must be made for the future of the industry.     Positive response on the issues raised was expressed from attendees at the end of the seminar.  Richard Harrison, Finance Director for Harrison Catering Services Ltd similarly commented, “The message I took away is that you cannot focus on one aspect of CR without considering the impact on other issues.  There are no right answers, but it is incumbent on us to consider the wider implications of our decisions in the pursuit of commercial success.” Patrick from RDA Organic praised Partners In Purchasing for their commitment to publicising the issue of sustainability; "It was fantastic to see such a positive turnout at a time when everyone has so much on their plates. Great to see PIP taking the initiative in organising the debate, to fuel discussions in trying to achieve a holistic solution.”  Phillip Nash, Chairman of Graysons Restaurants spoke about the debate in light of the present economic conditions; “I found the event interesting; first the subject itself which, given current economic conditions, it will be interesting to see how high on the corporate agenda it remains as business survival priorities come to the fore, plus a really fascinating and diverse mix of panel, from forager to farmer and a chef in between!” Recent reports suggest that the industry as a whole, is not implementing effective practices for the future of hospitality.  Partners In Purchasing have, therefore, worked alongside Peter Davis in producing a pack on how your business can benefit from employing processes to improve corporate responsibility.  To obtain your copy, contact Anthony Adams at Partners In Purchasing.        -Ends- Notes to Editors: About Partners In Purchasing Partners In Purchasing was founded 11 years ago by Nirmal Kalsey and Diana Spellman, who have gained over 20 years combined purchasing experience in a variety of catering institutions, both as operators and as purchasing specialists.  The company’s core values of trust, integrity and confidentiality are evident in how it operates; it is the only company in the catering market short-listed in the Services category by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Kelly’s Awards for Excellence in Purchasing and Supply.  The services provided by Partners In Purchasing to their clients include product sourcing, preferentially negotiated deals, price monitoring, central billing and detailed purchasing analysis.  Partners In Purchasing is a key member of the British Hospitality Association, the Institute of Hospitality, European Catering Association and Arena. For further information go to www.pipltd.net For more information: Contact: Anthony Adams, 117 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5DY Tel: 020 7410 7536 Mob: 07767 340540 Email: anthony@pipltd.net   Petra Clayton ClaytonGiles Ltd, The Mayford Centre, Mayford Green, Woking, Surrey, GU22 0PP Tel: 01483 740747 Mob: 07917 332133 Email: petra@claytongiles.co.uk       CR in procurement report.pdf PIP Seminar Invitation.pdf PIP Seminar Testimonials.pdf