Budding profits at Anglia

ANGLIA FARMERS has set its sights on a £100m turnover in 2006, up from £74m in 2004, according to chief executive Clarke Willis.

He told a supplier conference on Jan 26 that the agricultural buying co-operative was expecting to see its biggest growth in items such as building supplies, electricity, mobile phones, insurance and weather forecasting.

The announcement follows on record growth from the two-year old co-op, which is owned by its 900 full members and posts administration costs just 1.7% of turnover.

Mr Willis hinted at further acquisitions and new collaborative buying deals in the future, but he said bottom line growth would come from boosting the number and commitment of members.

The co-op‘s main buying power is on staples like chemicals, fertiliser and fuel, he said, but some members still shop elsewhere.

Mr Willis also tried to soothe suppliers‘ fears by promising closer co-operation, not just price pressure.

“By exchanging information, we can work together for the benefit of our members and ourselves,” he said.

“We believe this approach will benefit the whole supply chain in due course.

“For example, we are striving to give you advance information on the agricultural input volumes our members will require. 

“This should help both manufacturers and distributors with forward planning. 

“Our members also see the cost benefits of  planned purchasing with some saving up to £42/ha (£17/acre).”