Selected recent projects

Global manufacturer and distributor: The manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting, wiring accessories and portable power products for consumer and trade markets was facing growth challenges and questions included how to manage increased demand while avoiding a DC move; choice of WMS to implement paperless and efficient operations; S&OP and MRP across a supply chain sourcing from own Far East factory and external suppliers. EOC developed a programme to avoid a DC move and improve customer service and reduce cost – the changes rolled out on time and budget.

National UK builders merchant: EOC prepared analysis and business case for centralising distribution. This justified an outsourced solution, rather than setting up a distribution centre in-house. EOC managed the tender to select the logistics provider, and led the DC set-up and supplier negotiations. Client and 3PL successfully went live on the new operation in January 2020.

Global cosmetics retailer: EOC was called in following operational failures at the UK DC in Q4 2017, which served retail stores and fulfilled e-commerce orders for all of Europe. EOC evaluated capacities and flow of the many operational channels, including major automation. This identified key bottlenecks, and EOC developed tools for optimal product location, and set up project discipline to deliver change initiatives. Customer service was maintained in 2018 peak season, with 99.4% service level even through Black Friday week.

EOC's consultants are all highly experienced

Alastair Charatan: Experienced supply chain and operations professional, having worked for many years in retail, business-to-business distribution, e-commerce and management consultancy. Strong combination of strategic and innovative thinking, commercial  and analytical skills and programme management to make change happen. Comfortable working at Board level, and facilitating and enabling change down to the shop and warehouse floor.

Alastair has worked in permanent roles for Travis Perkins (and Wickes), Saint Gobain (and Jewson), SIG, Woolworths, PA Consulting and Coopers & Lybrand, and has led consultancy projects for many other blue-chip organisations. He has undertaken projects throughout Europe and beyond. He holds an INSEAD MBA, and is a Cambridge maths graduate.

Ray Fowler: Ray has been involved in retail and FMCG for the past 30 years either in an operational capacity or as a consultant. These roles have spanned the globe working with retailers in Russia, China, USA, India, Middle East and Europe. As retail transforms at a radical pace consumer needs and demands are evolving faster than most organisations can keep pace with. Ray's experience includes defining strategy, supporting change, engaging with consumers, operational efficiency, technology integration and leveraging multiple channels. 

Mark Cox: Mark has end-to-end knowledge of the retail supply chain having help held senior development and operational roles with retailers and 3PL companies in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. His experience includes defining supply chain strategy, network design, trading, e-commerce development and systems implementation. Mark uses a people centred approach to bring about behavioural change that sticks. He holds a Master Behavioural Coaching qualification and a PhD (DIC) from Imperial College.