Case Studies: Collaborative Relationships
Why collaborate? The question should really be why not? When we talk about collaboration, we simply mean working in partnership. You can be as competitive as you like, but there are always some areas where co-operating with others makes more sense.
These case studies show how some companies have worked with other partners in their supply chains for mutual benefit. That last bit is key. There has to be something in it for everyone involved, or it is not true collaboration. This doesn't mean that the benefits are necessarily shared equally by all partners, but it does mean that they're shared fairly, recognising the effort that each has contributed.
You can also read other case studies which show how collaboration can help in adding value to your business and also how it can help you in dealing with threats.
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Once partners in a supply chain have agreed to work together and have developed a shared vision and mutual goals, it is important that they develop and set performance measures.
• Asda• SOMP• Mackays• Edrington Group• Girvan Early Growers• Highland Grain• North Highland Products• Cygnet Potato Breeders
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For any partnership to be successful, it is important that it is based on trust, shared goals and mutual understanding.
• SOMP• Edrington Group• Girvan Early Growers• Highland Grain• Cygnet Potato Breeders
Trust is the key to any good relationship – with shared goals and mutual understanding of equal importance. But you need to work at achieving these in any partnership.
• Asda• SOMP• Edrington Group• Highland Grain• Coldwater Shellfish
Rock n Roll proved to be a hit for Argyll Food Producers after a successful debut at the Connect Festival.
• Argyll Food Producers
The David Sands retail business is an excellent example of how collaboration in action can bring real commercial benefits to a supply chain and high quality, value for money products to consumers.
• David Sands• Stephens Bakery
One of Mackies of Scotlands' goals is to maximise the value of its brand and to diversify into other markets.
• Mackies at Taypack• Taypack• Mackies of Scotland
The success of Salmac Sales Ltd is due largely to the approach they have taken with their suppliers and the open and transparent relationships among them all.
• Salmac
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The Oat Group was set up in 2003 to bring producers, processors and research institutes together to look at how the product could be promoted more effectively.
• Oat Group
Getting partner commitment is key to success and this short case study shows how to achieve this with examples from Coldwater Shellfish, North Highland Products and Wholesome Pigs (Scotland) Ltd.
• Mey Selections• Coldwater Shellfish• Wholesome Pigs
For any partnership to be successful, it is important that it is based on trust, shared goals and mutual understanding.
• Argyll Food Producers• Taypack• Mackies of Scotland• David Sands• Stephens Bakery• Waltons
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You and your partners need to prove to each other that you deliver on your promises and are committed to a long term, sustainable relationship
• Argyll Food Producers• Taypack• Mackies of Scotland• Salmac• David Sands• Stephens Bakery
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The story of Cackleberry and Waitrose is an exemplar of the company’s approach to developing high quality produce and creating a long term supplier relationship, one where everyone involved is clear about their role in what is a success story for Scottish farming.
• Waitrose• Cackleberry
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In the last three years Forteith Foodservice has begun working with local producers to develop premium branded local food for the local market, sold exclusively by the company under the Argyll brand.
• Forteith• Argyll Branding
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For Forteith Foodservice and local producers, collaborating has brought real commercial benefits to all parties. Collaboration has also helped the partners in Cackleberry grow a successful egg business supplying Waitrose.
• Forteith; Argyll Hill Farmers; Waitrose; Cackleberry; Stonegate
Four companies in the North East of Scotland have joined forces to improve marketing and sales through a co-operative.
• Ella Drinks; Tilquhillie Fine Foods; Isabella's Preserves; Ola Oils
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Stirfresh is the Arbroath based vegetable grower and processor which has been very successful in developing Public Procurement contracts.
Wester Ross Fisheries is an independent salmon farming business, based on Scotland’s North West coast. Wester Ross takes a collaborative approach to its supply chain both in relation to its suppliers and its customers.
The Old Course Hotel has over 100 food and beverage suppliers in a chain which has been built up over many years. The hotel's approach is to work collaboratively with local suppliers so that diners enjoy the best and freshest produce.
For any partnership to be successful, it is important that it is based on shared values, goals, trust and mutual understanding.
• Wholesome Whole Foods; Wester Ross Fisheries; Old Course Hotel
Case study about SSMG and Burgons of Eyemouth who have collaborated to develop new products for SSMG's retail customers
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Once partners in a supply chain have agreed to work closely together, it is important that they develop and set performance measures, allowing them to measure their progress towards achieving those goals.
• Highland Thermo Logistics• Waltons• Long Lane Deliveries
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It makes sense to share information which is of mutual interest, as it assists all parties to work together more effectively towards the development of a shared vision and mutual goals.
• Stephens Bakery
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Many partnerships start off by tackling one shared issue and if that joint working is successful for both/all parties, the collaborative relationship starts to develop.
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Macleod Organics, the main supplier of organic produce to the Highlands, was launched from the Macleod family farm at Ardersier in 1999. It runs a successful box scheme and is supplied by organic growers across Scotland and further afield.
Quality Oats (QUOATS) is a £4.9million collaborative research project bringing together the whole of the oat production chain. The main object of the project is to develop new oat varieties that meet the requirements of different commercial users.
