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operations in 2018 , but it also opened a depot in Belgium and signed exclusive supply agreements with major high street retail chains . Then , as 2020 saw many businesses struggle due to the global Covid-19 pandemic , Forrest decided to diversify operations instead . Its natural agility meant it launched a direct-to-consumer website , ensuring that while many traditional food service wholesalers closed , Forrest could maintain an outlet for its products .

Value and efficiency

“ The strategic direction established by our leaders has empowered us to constantly innovate and adapt to any challenges within our industry , naturally fueling our growth ,” begins Kelly Clayton , Director of Purchasing at Forrest . “ Being truly omnichannel and expanding into different areas has grown both our turnover and profitability . In fact , we are turning over £ 29.3 million overseas , up from £ 17.8 million the previous year .

“ This year has been defined by our investment strategy , which was outlined to support our future growth ambitions . We ’ ve invested over £ 1 million in the implementation of a new ERP system and e-commerce platform , which provides us with access to real time data , full traceability throughout our entire supply chain , and visibility of universal stockholding so we can make informed purchasing decisions .

“ We ’ ve also invested in our people ,” she continues . “ We ’ ve brought marketing inhouse , doubled the size of our field sales team , and boosted our experience in the purchasing and sales teams . We ’ ve also employed a senior buyer with expertise in the household and non-food categories , which we hope will strengthen the business as a one-stop-shop for retail , wholesale , and export customers .

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