Summary of the impact

Development and validation of a novel supply chain model at Surrey has improved performance for fast growing companies.

Validated with an international food manufacturer, it has been applied in a different sector with similarly promising results. Plans are in place to roll out to other companies seeking fast growth. Impact:

• quantified improvements in planning/control for diverse customer portfolios;
• reduced inventories by 35%;
• decreased stock holding by 15%;
• increased customer availability to 99%;
• improved service levels by over 5%;
• savings of 25% in working capital.

These benefits allowed the companies to structure growing customer bases and expand new markets.

Summary of the impact

Research on the post-apartheid South African labour market showed high levels of economic inactivity among black people concentrated in certain areas and high employee turnover among these groups. An integrated development programme was developed in and around Port Elizabeth tailored to address specific failings in labour market supply and demand identified by the research findings. This brought greatly improved employment rates for over 3,000 participating job seekers, with more than 80% achieving a positive outcome in terms of employment or further training. Furthermore, the programme reduced turnover rates for those employers involved in the project, and built the capacity of Union workforce representatives. The development programme comprising integrated training workshops and employer support is now being rolled out across South Africa.