I was delighted to be invited to join My Logistics Magazine’s contributor panel. Just to share a little bit of background – I started my career in the international transport industry as a graduate trainee for a UK based international forwarder. This taught me about all aspects of road, rail sea and air “on the desk”. Following rotations in imports, exports and business development I made my first move into a management role effecting a business turnaround on a failing branch of a major European multinational. I developed into more senior operational and commercial roles across Europe and Asia before becoming Global Supply Chain Principal Consultant for Oxford-based, The Consultancy Company.
I’m looking forward to building a dialogue with My Logistics Magazine readers in what is an exciting time in the sector. I’m passionate about genuine service that optimises the global supply chain based on best –in- market options. We need to see more industry players taking the time to understand the needs of the supply chain, and the requirements of the end customer, to deliver savings across the organisation.
These are interesting times in logistics too. On the international scene, rate stability and carrier consolidation for sea freight are creating shifts in the sector, and airfreight is seeing a fall in demand as clients try and model their inventory towards cheaper sea freight services. Elsewhere, we’re seeing prosecutions for cartels and rate fixing in several regions. To stay on top of these, we’ll not only need the insight provided by My Logistics Magazine, but to understand how to interpret this and use it to our advantage.
As one who is relatively new to consultancy, I am excited about working with clients to offer expertise from procurement, sales and operations planning, inventory optimisation and global/UK warehousing and distribution. I firmly believe clients need to take back control of their international supply chain; outsourcing their logistics to a 3pl doesn’t mean they can rely on them to make the best decisions on their behalf. Its access to insight, best practice and market trends that helps clients maintain a competitive edge.
For me, this opportunity is about sharing a truly independent viewpoint with colleagues in the industry. I am looking forward to being poacher turned gamekeeper, providing a view from the inside out….I look forward to seeing you next month!
Adam Fraser is Principal Consultant, Global Supply Chain at The Consultancy Company
www.the-consultancy.co.uk
