Surplus stock solution
SHROPSHIRE TRADING is moving mountains to help find good homes for tons of surplus bargains shoppers snap up, and keep them out of landfill.
The wholesale redistributor works discreetly for some of the UK’s biggest brands and fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers, handling all manner of residual leftovers.
These range from short-dated problem stock, such as perishable food, and discontinued lines to overruns, cancelled orders and packaging changes.
Purchasing from all over the UK and Europe it integrates sellers and buyers’ needs through its bespoke technology, fast turn- arounds and negotiating skills. One key factor is the value balance it strikes throughout the supply chain so that all parties get the best deal possible.
The business’ core advice to clients is “the first loss is the best loss so don’t sit on surplus because it will devalue,” explains managing director Jemima Boroughs. “From our side it has to be commercially viable.”
Today the company, based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, is forecasting a £5.5million turnover this year. Started 28 years ago by owner Simon Britten, his “there has to be a better way” moment was catching the shocking sight of a truck with 26 pallets of yogurts being tipped into landfill.
Three weeks later he bought the next load and sold the contents, finding a gap in the market. Starting out with food, the company now also covers drinks, beauty and household goods. So far it has prevented some 65,000 tons of products potentially being dumped.
Growing environmental concerns make sustainability a primary goal generally and Shropshire Trading, a carbon-neutral operation, more relevant than ever.
“When we started residual stock was a bit taboo,” says Boroughs. “Now everyone is open about looking for a bargain. There is far more awareness about the environment. We support the planet and also businesses’ bottom lines.
“Every day and every deal is different, processes are complex. Our short-shelf life products like cheese can be turned around within an hour.
“We speak to clients, work on live offers involving pricing and market analysis of current and past values. We can coordinate international logistics fulfilment or testing samples of new products. A high level of accuracy is required at every stage. Brexit and labelling issues seem to have created more stock availability.”
Shropshire Trading has a team of 10 and while it invests in training and development its chief challenge is recruiting more talent.
Becoming a B Corps, the standards accreditation that matches social purpose and profit, is helping, says Boroughs whose expansion plans are now focusing on beauty and health. If there are lipsticks going to landfill, they won’t be for long.
‘Every day and every deal is different’