The Supply Chain Consulting Group (SCCG) is a UK-based logistics consulting firm that serves clients in the UK, Europe, Asia, the USA and Africa.
Director at SCCG
SCCG’s team offers a mix of operational and consulting experience alongside up-to-date analytical and modelling capabilities. Services provided include logistics network strategy, operational warehouse design and process improvement, support to warehouse management systems (WMS) projects, advice on warehouse automation, help with outsourcing and managing third-party logistics contracts, inventory optimisation and transport solution design.
Our supply chain consulting team brings a wide range of hands-on experience in the supply chain and logistics sector, with each member having anywhere from 10 to over 30 years of practical knowledge. Since 2004, the team of specialist supply chain consultants has completed work for many distinguished clients across various sectors, from SMEs to global corporations, including supermarkets, fashion retailers, FMCG and industrial manufacturers, wholesalers, and third-party logistics companies.
Gavin Parnell, Director at SCCG, spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What are your best-known products/solutions/services?
At The Supply Chain Consulting Group, we are best known for providing independent logistics consultancy services that help companies make informed decisions and implement effective operational strategies to support business growth. Our key services focus on logistics network strategy, operational warehouse design and process improvement.
How do you think your industry sector is currently performing?
The consultancy market is focusing more than ever on specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise, which is good for companies such as ours. The broader logistics market is challenging for some, with the effects of earlier supply chain disruptions now fading and capacity opening up.
Continued uncertainty around macroeconomics has led to some decision inertia, but hopefully, this will start to resolve itself. Companies need to invest in automation and systems to remain competitive.
How many markets are you in and what is your biggest market?
We operate in over 50 countries, serving industries such as FMCG, retail, e-commerce, fashion, automotive, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Our biggest market is the e-commerce sector, which has experienced rapid growth due to the increasing demand for streamlined logistics and fulfilment solutions.
In what ways does your company stand out from its competitors?
Our company stands out through its tailored approach to logistics consultancy. Our team combines hands-on operational experience with cutting-edge analytical tools, ensuring that our recommendations are both practical and data-driven. Additionally, our ability to handle complex projects, from warehouse design to WMS implementation, with full transparency, sets us apart in the industry and helps us build long-term client relationships.
What are your most recent product innovations?
We’re excited to have achieved ISO 27001:2013 and Cyber Essentials certification for Information Security Management, reinforcing our commitment to keeping our clients’ data safe.
We are expanding our scope and seeing an increase in projects related to demand planning, transport management systems (TMS) and customer service functions, among other areas.
What are the major trends and developments affecting your category and your customers, and how are you responding?
One of the key trends affecting our industry and clients is the rising operational costs worldwide. To help mitigate this, we’ve been focused on implementing productivity-boosting strategies and optimising space efficiency within logistics operations. We continue to support our clients by assisting them in evaluating and tendering outsourced logistics contracts, ensuring they get the best value despite increasing costs. Additionally, with our involvement in international projects spanning the USA, Europe, and Africa, we’re constantly adapting our solutions to meet global challenges and deliver results in different markets.
Can you tell us about any recent customer contract wins or projects and how you helped the customer meet their challenges?
We won a great project with a well-known FMCG retailer in the UK. They needed support in selecting and implementing a new system for their new own-account facility. We guided them through the process to ensure the system aligned with their business requirements. We have since expanded the scope with that client to look at opportunities for automation in the warehouse.
How do your business levels in 2024 compare to previous years?
It’s been a solid year, with an increase in enquiries and new business wins, especially from the retail and e-commerce sectors—and we’re working with more international clients. We’ve also had a lot of follow-on projects from our current clients, which is always a great sign that we are adding value. To keep up with this growth, we’ve brought on two fantastic Managing Consultants, Jane Robinson and Andy Whiting, at the end of 2023. They have settled in nicely, and I think we have a well-structured, permanent team that delivers consistently for our clients.
What is your strategy for growth and success in 2025?
Our strategy for 2025 is all about continuing to invest in our consultants and the services we provide. We’re investing our efforts in more training and certifications, and we’ve already secured spots at three of the top industry events for next year!
As part of our commitment to sharing knowledge, we also invest our experience in creating a whitepaper hub. This hub features four comprehensive whitepapers that are valuable guides for many logistics professionals. You can explore them at: sccgltd.com/knowledge-centre/white-papers.
Can you tell us about any areas where you’re currently making technical advances?
Our team is committed to advancing sustainability and safety across the supply chain. Our focus is on integrating innovative technologies and best practices to reduce environmental impact while optimising safety measures for our clients.
Are you investing in staff training and skills development and can you give examples?
We believe in hands-on experience and on-the-job mentoring as the foundation of our training. Our team combines real-world expertise with collaborative project learning. We also encourage continuous learning through workshops and certifications, so our team is always equipped with the latest tools to deliver the best results for our clients. Examples would be training on new demand planning and WMS software packages as well as internal training on warehousing principles and technologies.
What work are you doing in the area of sustainability?
We have signed up to the government’s small business climate pledge and have taken various measures to reduce our own footprint through a carbon reduction plan. With clients, we are incorporating environmental metrics alongside cost and service as decision support factors.
What sets your company apart from others?
Each client is unique, with distinct supply chain and logistics challenges. That’s why we don’t believe in ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions. Instead, we take the time to thoroughly understand each client’s specific needs and tailor our services to tackle their challenges. Our recent ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials certifications for information security further highlights our commitment to providing secure and reliable solutions, ensuring our clients can trust us to safeguard their data while delivering results.
Will you be investing in your premises over the next 12 months?
We’ve already started investing in our premises. Our Leamington Spa office has moved to a larger space with a brand-new conference room to accommodate our growing team and visiting clients. Additionally, we’ve expanded our presence in Manchester, further supporting our continued growth and providing even more client resources.
How future-proof and flexible are your solutions?
Flexibility and future-proofing are important factors in determining logistics and supply chain strategy, so these are always taken into account in, for example, warehouse sizing and insource / outsource decisions.
What exhibitions can we expect to see your company exhibiting at in 2025?
We have already booked three different trade shows for 2025: Retail Supply Chain and Logistics Expo in London (February 2025) and IntraLogisteX (March 2025), and we’re excited about the return of IMHX after three years (September 2025).
Come and see us at the shows!!
How would you sum up your company in three words?
Effective logistics solutions.
SCCG
01926 430 883
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