Young's have been using Freshnet, an online trading and invoicing hub, for over 2 years now, and have recently introduced, beers, wine and spirits to the system, which enables the pubs to place their orders at their own convenience.

Young's already use the Freshnet system for ordering meat, poultry, game, fruit, vegetables, dairy and coffee.

Young's Introduce Beers, Wine & Spirits To Their Freshnet System

...said Patrick Dardis: We were looking for a way to streamline our business, and the Freshnet system has helped us to achieve this...We have been able to standardise our purchasing process across our estate, including the integration of our suppliers. Having real time information and a complete audit trail of purchasing information, has provided positive operational benefits to us.

The Electronic Data Proves Invaluable

"A huge benefit of the Freshnet system", says Purchasing Manager Neil Harding Deans, "Is the electronic data, which provides a purchasing history and can be analysed for spend patterns and seasonal variations. This is extremely useful and has helped us to rationalize our business."

Implementation and Training

Implementation was quick: the system was put on trial in six outlets during the summer of 2003, followed by a phased roll out three months later, with completion in early 2004.

A series of one day training workshops were held at the brewery for the managers, deputy managers and chefs. The full day training was then followed up by a visit to each of the pubs. Once back in familiar surroundings, the chefs and managers were free to ask further questions and supported in setting up their ordering requirements specifically to suit the way that they operate.

The capital outlay was minimal as the hardware was already in place - the pubs already had computers.

David Cunningham is delighted with the system: One of the reasons that we chose Freshnet is because the core system is very flexible. Freshnet are willing to listen to any suggestions or improvements that can be made. The product is continuously being enhanced and improved benefiting everyone.

The Youngs Group

Established in 1831, Young's produces a great selection of award winning beers and has some of the finest traditional and contemporary pubs, restaurants and hotels in England.

Traditional draught beer has been produced on the site of the Young's Brewery since 1581, which makes the Ram Brewery the oldest site in Britain on which beer has been brewed continuously.

May 2006