The Supply Chain Network aims to help companies of all sizes to recognise and understand current trends in supply chain management. It enables companies to respond to, and even anticipate, change to the benefit of themselves and the extended enterprise, including customers and suppliers. The Network represents a low cost, low risk means of increasing awareness of current practice in supply chain management and of stimulating the change process.

The Network was formed in response to the competitive challenges of the 90’s and the dawn of the 21st century. With increasing focus on core activities and competencies by major manufacturing and service organisations there is a now well established trend towards greater devolvement of risk and responsibility to suppliers.

At the same time, many suppliers enjoy less adversarial relationships with their customers, based on an increasing use of framework agreements and partnerships to govern long term supply deals. This is a trend which is being cascaded down the supply chain to involve second and third tier suppliers.

Networking in about giving and taking – ideas, knowledge and experience. The Network represents an effective mechanism for managers to learn from the experience of others. And because the Network is trans-sectoral, it allows for transfer and take up of ideas which, while they may be common place in one sector are quite innovative in another.

These are held 5 times per year and are the heart of the Network. Companies share their own experiences of supply chain management in a changing world – the lessons learned and the cost, quality and delivery advantages won. These presentations inform and stimulate discussion and cross fertilisation of ideas and experiences amongst members. It is the networking forged through face-to-face meetings, at ‘core’ events which makes possible a growing number of added-value aspects to the Network

TVT offers groups or individuals from a cross section of companies with common interests to develop their knowledge and capabilities through facilitated action based learning workshops and seminars, hosted by one of the group companies. TVT also offers one-to-one consultancy at strategic and operational levels to help companies improve their supply chain relations and reduce costs and improve performance. Both services are provided to network members at reduced rates.

Transfer of ideas, experiences and opportunities at any time is encouraged through a member’s secure-access directory and bulletin board within this Website.

Network core meetings have dealt with topics as diverse as value stream management, IT within the supply chain and the strategic role of procurement.

Large and small companies, both manufacturing and service organisations operating in markets as diverse as housebuilding quality registration to scientific instrument manufacture.

Forthcoming events

Seminars, workshops and company visits for all of TVT’s business network.

Joining instructions and more information.

TVT is encouraging formation of one or two SIGs, to allow sub-sets of the members to pursue areas of common interest in more detail. Amongst the topics being considered are:

• Benchmarking within and across supply chains
• E-business and in particular Web-based technology to support procurement and supply chain management
• Group purchasing, incorporating Internet technology

Your views on these and other potential topics for SIGs would be welcome.