? Job title: group negotiator
? Date you joined the company: 10th January 2000
? Previous employers: Batley's
? Responsible for: grocery/non-food buying - trading terms, range management, pricing and promotions
? Married/single/family: 'just married' to Claire on 28th May 2007
? Leisure time spent: trying to turn my back garden bombsite into a pleasant environment, hill-walking, supporting Middlesbrough, travel
? Offer one piece of advice to help suppliers succeed with you: offer key products in true EDLP (every day low pricing) price-marked packs after consultation with us to reach acceptable price points and shared margins. Consumers like the reassurance of PMPs and retailers buy into the quicker stock-turn they offer. Excessive high/low pricing gives time-pressured independents real problems in managing costs
? The best promotion currently running with our customers is: I persuaded Baco to launch a PMP 99p 300mmx5m Bacofoil and have high hopes they will be rewarded with strong sales
? My vote for the best current/recent TV/press advertising is: Splenda - a witty and clever confirmation that the brand has its eye on more than just a share of the 'sweetener' market
? The best new product launch this year is: Nutricia's Baby Balance.
? Gripe of the month: inward looking suppliers. I would like to see suppliers consult the independent trade in the formative stage, rather than be dogmatic six months after decisions are taken.
Will Government proposals to ban the display of tobacco in retail premises damage the wholesale sector?
