Polestar has hosted a Preferred Supplier Forum, welcoming representatives from over 30 companies to the two day event held last week. Each organisation had the opportunity to give a short presentation to other delegates as well as attend a series of break-out sessions. Polestar's own companies were also represented, as the group continues to develop site-based cross-function teams in conjunction with its strategic supplier base.

The aim of the event was to identify and build upon opportunities within Polestar's supply base for collaborative and reciprocal business opportunities, with companies attending as both potential suppliers and/or customers, as Polestar Purchasing Director Karen Hardy explains: "We were delighted to have such a cross section of our suppliers there, from waste management through to stationery and travel to utilities and transport. Whilst we have long term strategic partnerships with these companies, it enabled them to meet and develop potential relationships with each other, whilst under one roof and with Polestar as the common denominator."

Richard Waterson, Commercial & Marketing Manager at AbitibiBowater Recycling Europe, attended the forum and says: "We were very pleased to be invited, and we found it informative, constructive and enjoyable. It has provided both potential leads and supplier services for our mill procurement department, and we hope that further communication and discussion with a number of companies will be fruitful." Representing Sunrise Associates Ltd, Polestar's provider of mobile and fixed communications, James Evans, Managing Director, adds: "In a downturn, such as we are experiencing now, opportunities to develop trading relationships and partnerships become increasingly valuable and this event worked very well in that respect."

He continues: "The Polestar purchasing team is probably the most proactive I know, in terms of working with suppliers to find creative ways of developing solid partnerships and we are proud to be associated with them."