Only 50% of UK suppliers to UK retailers are adequately trained in GSCOP Regulation

At a meeting with the GCA, concerns were raised over the number of grocery suppliers not trained on GSCOP. The annual GCA supplier survey, completed by over 2,500 suppliers, showed that more than half of suppliers, particularly smaller ones, hadn't received GSCOP training. This suggests that a substantial portion of suppliers are not on top of their game.

Why is training so vital for your account teams if you supply the UK’s largest retailers?

GSCOP's purpose is to protect suppliers from unfair treatment by major supermarkets.

While supermarkets are legally required to train their buyers on GSCOP annually, suppliers face no such requirement and large numbers have not been trained.

Not knowing GSCOP means suppliers may not be aware of the protections available and will be at a commercial disadvantage. Suppliers cite not knowing where to find training or fearing retribution from retailers as reasons for not signing up.

The British Brands Group provides both virtual and classroom training not only for members but for all suppliers, whether of branded, private label or fresh products. As a not-for-profit organisation, its training is cost-effective so why not give us a ring to discuss what is possible?

In fact, the British Brands Group provides a range of functional training, with courses covering GSCOP, Competition law and compliance and Trading with Amazon. These offer you cost effective learning and development opportunities that will directly impact your business results. All feature a strong commercial bias, being about both understanding and application in the trading world. Training is available as face-to-face or online offerings.

The Group is open to exploring specific needs if you want to run an in-house course exclusively for your team. Feel free to contact us by phone, email or via our website or social media feeds. Use this link to view our training offer, to enrol and to contact us: https://www.britishbrandsgroup.org.uk/gscop-training. The next training dates are below:

Amazon – Vendor management Online 24 September (1300-1700) Run in conjunction with Tambo

GSCOP Refresher  Online 14 October (0900-1230)

GSCOP and the GCA (full course) London area 22 October (0900-1600)

Amazon – Marketing Online 22 October (1300-1700) Run in conjunction with Tambo

Competition Law and Compliance London EC4 6 November (0930-1700)

GSCOP and the GCA (full course)  Online (modular) Classroom dates: 11 & 18 November (1330-1600)

If you want to know more, contact our GSCOP expert Paul Whittaker, at help@pureblueocean.com