John Lewis to give advice to local firms (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

John Lewis to give advice to local firms

5:00pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By James Dwan

TWO top retailers are heading to Tendring to give firms an insight into what big businesses want.

Dan Cooper, a senior buyer from John Lewis, and Adam Elman, head of Marks and Spencer’s Plan A initiative, will talk to local firms at the one-off Meet the Buyers event.

It is organised by Tendring Council and takes place at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on October 3.

Marks and Spencer was recently named company of the year by the Business in the Community group for its eco and ethical programme Plan A.

A company spokesman said: “Involving the community and our suppliers in Plan A is crucial for us as a business and to the success of Plan A.

“We will be running through the kind of attributes we as a company look for in suppliers.”

John Lewis recently launched a new campaign to champion British manufacturing, including a new ‘Made in UK’ logo that appears on goods in its stores.

Council regeneration boss Sarah Candy said the event was an ideal opportunity to promote buying British goods at a time when the country’s manufacturing sector is flagging.

She said the event has the potential to bring in new orders for Tendring firms.
Businesses who want to meet the buyers should call Rachel Fryer on 01255 686149 or email her on rfryer@tendringdc.gov.uk by September 10.