Don't do it yourself

Following the award of a long-term warehouse management contract to Tibbett& Britten Group plc in February 2000, Homebase, the UK DIY store, has placed all its primary and secondary transport operations in the hands of the logistics service provider. The contract, which started in July 2003, nearly doubled Tibbett & Britten's business with Homebase, taking total revenues to around£33 million a year. The work covers the primary collection of product from suppliers throughout the UK mainland, plus secondary deliveries to all Homebase's 275 stores across the country. The full range of merchandise will be handled – from DIY (home improvement) goods to gardening products, garden furniture and soft furnishings. Tibbett & Britten has taken over the management of 95 commercial vehicle tractor units and 205 trailers from the two previous transport contractors. Transport fleets continue to be based at Homebase distribution centres at Brackmills, Park Farm and Wellingborough (all three already operated by Tibbett & Britten), plus Swindon (operated by Homebase). Approximately 120 personnel have transferred into Tibbett &Britten under TUPE regulations on their previous terms and conditions.