an advertising supplement Robinson Young Limited Ibson House Eastern Way Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP32 7AB Tel: 01284 766261 Fax: 01284 701105 E-mail: info@ry.tm Website: www.robinsonyoung.co.uk Key personnel Managing Director Michael Robinson Sales Director Alan Pritchett Finance Director Philip Cupit Product Managers Pat Shepherd Tracey Armstrong Mario Frascogna Key brands Stationery Basildon Bond; Lion Brand; Black n' Red; Post-It; Scotch; Stabilo; UHU; Pilot; Snopake; Challenge; Energizer Healthcare Seven Seas; Mates; Royal; Comfort Care; Pudgies; Nice n' Clean Household Safewrap; Superglove; Bakewell; Scotchbrite; Scotchgard; Ramon; Look Catering / Food Service Caterpack; Nupik; Scotchbrite; Insul; Solo; Scotchgard; Pal A window on the world "In today's climate it is becoming increasingly difficult for a manu-facturer to employ a dedicated sales force for the type of non-food products that Robinson Young specialises in," says md Michael Robinson. The Suffolk-based broker tailors its service to suit the needs of the principal, the products and the requirements of the target market. And of course in today's business world, target markets can be global ones. Robinson believes that using a team of brokers in each country enables manufacturers to gain worldwide distribution with minimal risk and investment. "In many markets the needs of customers and the characteristics of the consumer are quite different. The broker who specialises in, and understands the needs of, his market can tailor the sales and marketing strategy in order to maximise the chances of success." Due to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary next year, Robinson Young is a full service broker providing a sales, marketing and distribution service for manufacturers which typically range from small producers to large multi-nationals with major brands. "Combining a portfolio of products under one sales, marketing and distribution organisation such as Robinson Young helps to drive costs out of the supply chain. It is simply not economical for most brands to support a sales operation in every country except in the case of a small handful of truly global food brands." Specialist services are generated by four divisions within Robinson Young ­ household, catering/foodservice, stationery, and healthcare. By focusing on specific market sectors, it can provide both manufacturers and the customers they serve with focused and dedicated teams, developing sales and marketing strategies for both branded and own label products throughout the UK. The household division includes the Safewrap and Caterpack ranges of bin liners, refuse sacks, food bags and wraps. It also represents the Superglove range of rubber gloves. In this category Robinson Young now dominates with over 70% of the branded and own label markets. Its stationery division is now the largest supplier of branded and own label products to the multiple retail and C&C sectors, offering established brands including Post-It Notes, Scotch, UHU, Stabilo, Pilot, and Basildon Bond. In the growing catering/foodservice market Robinson Young cleans up when it comes to foodservice disposables, such as paper, plastic and foam products. New to the company is the healthcare portfolio which already includes major brands such as Mates, Seven Seas and an extensive and successful portfolio of non-medical healthcare products. "The key to Robinson Young's success is its dedication to marketing and investment in IT," says Robinson. "The company works with manufacturers to identify opportunities and then develops sales and marketing strategies. By supplying all the major grocery multiples and the C&C sector, we have built up an impressive reputation for high levels of service since it began in 1972." He says the company's shared cost sales operation enables it to provide the depth of sales coverage often unaffordable to a manufacturer's sales force alone. "Time and time again, this has provided both manufacturers and retailers with a cost effective solution." In particular, he believes brokerage is essential in servicing the C&C sector, as multiple retailers and wholesalers constantly look to re-appropriate responsibility and cost down the supply chain. "With the exception of the largest multi-national manufacturers, very few brand owners or producers are able to provide the level of branch service that is an essential part of the support that the C&C sector will need to remain competitive," says Robinson. "Only brokers can afford to carry the large sales force needed to provide this service in terms of local branch delivery, merchandising and promotional support." Within the industry the company has a reputation for high service levels. It provides delivery using just in time principles backed up by high levels of product availability from its 10,000 stock pallets held in four warehouses. "We have not only perfected the art of partnering, but are also able to utilise our expertise built over nearly three decades to everyone's advantage," says Robinson. {{Z SUPPLEMENTS }}