UKL: Operational Re-organisation

Back in 2007, UKL knew that in order to take the next step forward, they would need to improve and modernise their systems and processes.  After a thorough review, one of the first steps taken was to employ Richard Kimber, formally the Operations Manager for the logistics company servicing JohnLewis.com.  "UKL had grown quickly in previous years, and was stretching the limits of its warehouse and logistics systems", says Richard , Group Operations Controller, "We had become victims of our own success, and we needed to find ways to increase operational and systems capacity without too much impact on day to day trading" This was a challenging period for UKL.  "We always strive to give the best customer service," says Tracy Richards, Managing Director, "but we were becoming frustrated by the limitations of our own systems.  That period is behind us now, and the hard work of 2007 is really paying off.  Not only are we running with service levels up at 99.7% for items delivered on time and accurate, but our warehouse output is over 25% up on last year." Tracy continues, "Not only are we better than ever, but we are moving more volume than ever."

Our Pro-active Internal Sales Team

Another part of the operational review focused on the 15 strong internal sales team. Split by customer account or area, a customer has a dedicated person to deal with their account, and those people are not just there to take calls, they are pro-active on their accounts, calling the customer to provide up to date information on orders and deliveries. "We have a great office based sales team," says Tracy, "who really care about the needs of the customer and the service we provide." In addition to the internal sales team, Tina Jones and Melvin Gauld, are a key part of UKL's continuing success.  UKL's Sales Account Managers, they not only provide a point of contact for customers but are the public face of UKL, visiting clients and prospects across the UK.  "Tina and Melvin are front of house," says Tracy, " meeting with customers face to face, but we have a brilliant team on the phones who support them, and in turn are supported by them, so it's very much a team effort."

The 2009 Trade Show

So what about the future and the second half of 2008?  At the start of the year, UKL held its first trade show at it Swindon HQ.  With more than 600 visitors over 2 days, the event was a huge success. "2008 was big," says Tracy,"but 2009 will be bigger and better.  We have started to organize the next Trade Show event and the first thing we have done is to add an extra day.  "There is just so much to get in, and so many people, that we decided it would be better to have an extra day rather than try and limit numbers.  It's a unique event in the industry and we want people (customers and suppliers) to get maximum benefit.",  Details of the 2008 show are on the website, as well as updates on the plans for the 2009 show. Web registration for 2009 opens soon so visit us at http://www.uklonline.co.uk/.

New Brands Announced

With 6 new brands added at the start of 2008, (ALO, Rugby, Cutter and Buck, PGA Tour, Craghoppers and Result Headwear) UKL is always looking to improve its offering and are always on the lookout for exciting new brands as well as established ones that will be of interest to the growing customer base.  The latest brand to be added to the catalogue is the world class teamwear brand Kappa - The Italian based company produces "Kappa4team" products, using the same high quality materials and manufacturing standards that can be found in the kit of many of the world's foremost football teams.  Available in Adult and Junior sizes, all garments feature the famous Kappa brand logo, so your team can now look like the pros, even if they can't play like them.

UKL are also continuing their relationship with CoolActive, the company behind the CoolMax brand of high tech performance sportswear, and are shortly to be announcing new products exclusive to UKL and CoolActive. Keep checking the website for details...

Design your own Bespoke Clothing

While you are looking at the website, you might also like to check out the new bespoke clothing tool, powered by Russell Solutions.  Once you have access to the password protected area, you can design your own clothes in 6 easy steps, select the base garment, select the fabric, design, give time-scale and required quantities, receive a quote, and confirm your order.  Pricing is now built in to the tool, so you can see the costs as you go and adjust your design accordingly.  You can also save your design on-line, print out the design for your client, email them a picture and return to it later to make final adjustments.

Get Xtra

And of course, unique to UKL is the UKLXtra scheme, where all purchases over a qualifying amount can count toward points that can be converted into gifts, like TV and audio equipment, jewellery, household appliances and even weekends away.  "If your company has not signed up yet, there is still time to do so," says Tracy. "You might be able to earn a gift for the office, or speak to your Sales Manager about a sales incentive program, where you could win the points for yourself".  Check out the Web site for more information - http://www.uklxtra.co.uk/

In short, the future looks good for UKL, and with growing sales and more projects in the pipeline there has never been a better time to trade with UKL for Xtra-Choice, Xtra-Service and Xtra-Rewards.

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