UK: Groceries Code Adjudicator Marks First Year with Major Conference and Market Survey

Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Christine Tacon will highlight the progress made during her initial 12 months in office and her future plans at the first GCA annual conference.

Registration has opened for the event to be held on 23rd June 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London.

The Adjudicator will also announce the results of the GCA first market survey of groceries suppliers. This will inform the future work of the GCA in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Code and is a real opportunity to influence the GCA in tackling the Code-related issues which most hamper businesses and lead to inefficiencies in the supply chain

The survey is now open at www.yougov.com/gca and will close on May 23rd. It is completely anonymous so suppliers from both the UK and overseas can speak frankly about what they think needs to change in the UK groceries supply sector

Christine Tacon said: “It will be a year since I was appointed and the anniversary is an excellent opportunity to look at what has been achieved and to respond in detail to the many overseas enquires I have had into my role, as other countries look to address similar issues.”

The conference will include presentations and workshops with trade associations and Network Rail will provide an insight into compliance using health and safety, as a best practice example, to draw out key learning points. Guest speakers at the Conference from Tesco plc and Wm Morrisons plc will describe their experiences of working with the GCA team.

Christine added: “This conference is designed to spread knowledge of the Adjudicator’s work and responsibilities both at home and overseas where the establishment of the GCA has provoked a great deal of interest.

“As well as providing information, discussions and practical activities the conference will be offering good networking opportunities. The following day we have arranged a programme of visits and surgery sessions with my team, principally for the overseas delegates.”

Registration is free and now open at www.gov.uk/gca