The NFRN says: A frank and open discussion took place on Friday (January 10) regarding supply chain issues and particularly arrival times into retail and the representatives present agreed that all parties should would work more closely on identifying methods to improve this situation at the earliest opportunity,
Attending on behalf of the NFRN were Chief Executive Paul Baxter, National President Colin Fletcher, Vice President Martyn Brown, Chairman of the News Operations Committee Alan Smith and News Operations Controller Brian Murphy.
The PDF representatives comprised Mike Newman (Chairman – NPA Circulation Executive Committee), Bob Steadman (Guardian Media Group), David Cooke (Menzies Distribution), Simon Gage (Smiths News) and Lucy Ukoumunne (NPA).
Commenting after the meeting Mr Baxter said: “It was an extremely positive meeting. It was good to have the opportunity to highlight the issues that are causing our members serious problems and we were pleased to be able to agree a series of recommendations that we believe will help improve the supply chain.
“The PDF confirmed it wished to support HND retailers, in particular with regards to on-time delivery, and noted with interest the NFRN plans to drive home news delivery through its Store-2-Door initiative.”
Among actions agreed were for the NFRN’s News Operations Controller to attend some of the Newspaper Publishers Association's Supply Chain Committee meetings with a view to enhancing the National Distribution Monitor, reviewing communications and contingencies involved when deliveries are late and identifying methods to improve on current service to NFRN members.
The NFRN and PDF board will meet again later in the year to assess progress and to further identify resolutions to supply chain problems.
