SLS Group Brexit Statement
The SLS Group of Companies incorporating Analab in Ireland is committed to ensuring minimal impact to our customers as a result of Brexit.
Our business footprint in both the UK and Republic of Ireland cuts across both sides of the Brexit separation and our position as part of a wider European Group (The Dutscher Group) offers us a high degree of flexibility as the actual impact of Brexit becomes clearer. For now, key areas of contingency planning are as follows:
Sources of Supply/Supply Chain Stability
We maintain relationships with over 4000 suppliers in the UK, Europe and around the world. This delivers enormous reach and flexibility in terms of maintaining supply chain stability. It also offers us alternative product sources in the event of any supply failures.
Stock Control/Continuity of Supply
Planning and information are key, and we encourage all our customers to talk to us about higher volume/process critical products for which continuity of supply is of paramount importance. SLS can apply several inventory solutions to ensure ongoing continuity of supply. To mitigate any supply issues our customers might face we have also increased our warehouse capacity by 35% to further increase our stock levels.
Movement of Product
SLS has extensive in-house expertise for both import and export given that we currently source or supply product to and from Europe and the rest of the world. This includes expertise and relationships in areas such as freight forwarding and regulatory affairs. In addition, we utilise our own transport options as well as maintaining multiple UK/Pan-European relationships with carriers and 3PL providers which maximise our ability to maintain product movements.
Product Costs/Tariffs
We commit to our customers that we will continue to resist upwards cost movements of any kind, wherever possible as a result of Brexit. After the Government reached an agreement with the EU on tariffs prior to the 31st December deadline, we further commit to apply measures to absorb the administrative costs that come with the import of product from the EU wherever possible.
Currency Fluctuation
In terms of minimising the effect of currency fluctuations, SLS have several existing, effective approaches. These include forward and spot buying of both product and currency. We also have a growing EURO revenue stream which helps to balance and mitigate fluctuations in the currency market. As a global laboratory supplier, we have the infrastructure to manage the impact currency fluctuations can have on our supply chain.
Communication and Relationships
We encourage communication from our customers, suppliers, and service providers to ensure a joined-up approach as the impact of Brexit becomes clearer. Should you have any specific questions pertaining to Brexit and the ongoing continuity of supply, please contact us via brexit@analab.ie.
Supplier Risk Assessment
We have completed an extensive process of assessing risk in our supply chain through a program of formal requests to our suppliers aimed at ensuring that we understand potential pitfalls and problems of Brexit. We will continue to work in close partnership with our suppliers to ensure the best possible continuity of service and supply.
The entire SLS Group is founded upon the principle of flexibility in serving our customers. This means that any required adjustments to our systems, working practices or delivery mechanisms can be implemented quickly to ensure best possible solutions for our customers. We firmly believe that this sets us apart in the UK marketplace as our system-driven competition may not be able to react as quickly to change when the government defines what those changes will require.
We believe that SLS are currently as prepared as possible to ensure continuity of supply, ongoing value for money and excellent customer service.
We welcome further communication from our customers and suppliers alike. Please send any comments or enquiries to brexit@analab.ie.