A Message From Our MD - Steve Forbes
Having been in my role as Managing Director for just over 100 days (at the time of writing), I've been able to spend a good amount of time speaking with our customers both large and small. These conversations made it loud and clear that the last few years have not been easy for the industry. Market conditions have been challenging and it still feels like there are many hurdles ahead.
While there are definitely green shoots of recovery emerging, how this sector navigates the next 12 months and beyond will be key to its growth and future stability. We are very aware that we operate in a commodity sector driven primarily by price and availability. In challenging economic times like those we face now, these factors become even more important. We hear this a lot from across the business.
As one of the largest wholesale distributors in this sector, we are fortunate to have the size, scale and legacy of operations to help our customers navigate these tough economic times by investing where it matters most to them. This is why our vision for Apex is built on a commitment to continuous improvement and customer centricity.
Building Customer Centricity Into How We Operate
To achieve our ambition of becoming the number one supplier to every customer, we must ensure that our decisions place customer needs front and centre.
I've always said that a measure of a person's integrity is not how they act when things go well, but how they respond when things go wrong. Due to our size and scale and our position in the market it is important that we always act with this level of high integrity, so it is our goal is to resolve customer problems as quickly as possible.
[Apex Warehouse Staff Member]
We are also making a commitment to spend more time you - our customers - listening to the challenges you face and engaging in meaningful two way dialogue, rather than waiting for you to call us with an order. We want to increase knowledge sharing among our customers. Providing value-added resources for free is good for business and helps move the industry forward.
Improving Our Ability To Serve Our Customers More Effectively
Building Our Business Capabilities
Our new super site in Wednesbury is one of the most significant investments we've made in the last few years. Its size and central UK location allow us to hold far more stock than ever before, especially 'high-runner' items. This means we can deliver faster and reduce the complexity and risk of ordering from multiple suppliers.
[Apex Stainless Fasteners Wednesbury]
But we're not just investing in premises and stock. We're also strengthening our distribution network - something we've historically excelled at. Alongside our Midlands, we are also investing heavily in building a team of global distribution experts. We have already made a number of strategic hires in this space and we will continue to grow this team as our distribution footprint across key geographic markets expands.
Apex is also committed to becoming a digital-first business. In the last three years, we've done five years' worth of digital transformation. We're expanding our capabilities with the new ERP/eWMS system, paperless processing, webshop and digital catalogue.
Service & Deliver With Continued Excellence
One of our core strengths is our people. With a potentially turbulent 12 months ahead of us, it's vital that you have access to the best knowledge and insight in the sector. Fortunately, as an Apex customer, that's exactly what you'll get.
Many of our staff have been in the industry and with the business for more than 20 years, bringing unmatched experience and insight.
[Apex Staff]
We're building on this legacy with company-wide training programmes to enhance and broaden our skillset. To be the best, staff must think and act like the best - and that only comes with training.
We truly value our staff and the contribution they make to our customers. There's a great energy around the business right now, and we're excited to deliver on the Apex vision and our commitment to you over the next 12 months.
If you'd like to speak to me directly, please contact me at s.forbes@apexstainless.com and I will do my best to respond.
Steve Forbes