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Eurocrats' SEM warning
Page 26
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• The British distribution industry is leaner and fitter than in most other countries — but its bosses must guard against complacency about latest developments in computers and the radical changes that 1992 will bring.
That was the view of many of the 22 speakers at the ninth annual Institute of Logistics and Distribution Management Conference in Brighton last week, where the theme was: Is British Best?
Haulage rates will drop by up to 15% as the industry becomes more dynamic and competitive in the Single European Market, one top Eurocrat predicted. John Ress, of the European Commission's inland transport division, said Europe would repeat what had happened in America after deregulation, where real prices fell by up to 40%.
Increased prosperity after 1992 would boost the market for freight, he predicted. The UK railways would also become more competitive and provide a better service after a decade when, with more Corn
panics demanding a just-intime service, British Rail was "just-too-late".
Distribution managers had to be better informed about changes in European legislation and industry, warned Euro MP Sir Jack Stewart-Clark, who advised companies to arrange seminars to brief managers and staff on 1992.
Study the language, culture and habits of countries you are doing business with, he said. Be prepared to lobby the European Parliament and Commission; watch closely what your competitors in Europe are doing, and look at joint ventures to take advantage of the bigger market.