Working across the supply chain

Neil Blackburn and Helen Evans of Kite have been working with the business for the past 10 years, during which time output has increased from 5 million litres to the current level. Over this period of rapid expansion, Kite has worked with the Tomlinson’s brothers on:

• Setting up and managing a dedicated milk supply from 24 local farmers, which has not only given Tomlinson’s the security of milk supply, but has also delivered a consistently good milk price to local family farms.
• Worked with the brothers on business strategy to allow the dairy to grow quickly without taking any undue risks.
• Actively involved with sales and marketing, which has included meeting potential customers, formalising sales proposals, through to brand development. Major contracts have been won to supply local hospitals, schools and contract processing for a group of organic farmers.
• Worked on new projects, such as the introduction of the new eco-pouch. Tomlinson’s were the first UK dairy to introduce the concept from Canada, with the pouch using 75% less packaging that a conventional poly-pot.
• Successfully applied for grants for processing equipment and marketing. Kite has also recently submitted a grant application on behalf of Tomlinson’s for the building of a new 50 million litre dairy a quarter of a mile from their current site. Demand for Tomlinson’s milk continues to show strong growth, and with the aid of a substantial grant, this will allow the business to expand further from a low cost base.

Philip and John have found working with Kite has given them the time to concentrate on managing the business on a day to day basis, whilst at the same time as having specialist skills on hand to help move the business forward in a structured manner.