08.04.04
Gold Star for New IT System as Cornwall Farmers

A major new £800,000 IT system being introduced by Cornwall Farmers has passed its first tests and is in place on time and within budget. With Objective One investment the farmer-owned agricultural supply co-operative is in the process of giving its IT systems a major upgrade.

This system from Cal Software Ltd, known as Compac Gold includes a Retail module and is designed to greatly improve efficiency and trading operations across all fourteen outlets in Devon and Cornwall. The first installation at the company's Threemilestone - Truro branch will immediately deliver improved point of sale service to farmer customers.

Cornwall Farmers chose agricultural trading specialists Cal Software to supply and support the new system. After a year of research and planning the first phase of the project has been successfully commissioned.

The society's newly appointed Chief Executive, Andrew Cocks commented: "I am relieved and delighted that the pilot scheme was entirely seamless for our customers. The moment the store closed on Saturday, our staff and Cal's team worked tirelessly to prepare for Monday. At 8 O'clock, the doors opened as usual with absolutely no disruption."

He added "This key milestone was achieved on time, in budget and worked at the first attempt – and how often do you hear that about a computer system? By utilising our Objective One funding and through collaboration with Cal Software, we have a business solution, which has greatly enhanced our ability to provide improved customer service. We believe our customers value the contact they have with our retail teams and the customer experience is of paramount importance to Cornwall Farmers."

Over the next six months, Cornwall Farmers will be updating the computer software currently used by its 14 outlets in Cornwall and Devon. With the assistance of Objective One backing, the society is investing around £800,000 in a single, comprehensive new IT system.

The main aim of this phase of the project is to provide a greatly improved point-of-sale service to customers, as well as streamlining work for shop staff.

Mr Cocks explained that the new IT system is being installed in three phases. The first will see the computerised retail system installed at each Cornwall Farmers store. Following the successful completed deployment at Threemilestone, the new system will be installed next at Penzance and will reach all 14 stores by early Autumn 2004.

The second phase, which is being installed at each store, will involve a general merchanting system handling direct sales to farmers of everything from seed to feed to fertiliser. The third phase will see the company further expanding its electronic trading capability – including enabling on-line trading.

Mr Cocks said: "The primary objective is to improve service to the customer. Secondary to that, the new systems will also make life easier for the company's staff. The third aim is to enable us as a company to manage information more effectively, allowing us to make better-informed and faster decisions in response to what's happening in the market place."
The total project is due to be completed by 2005.

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Editor's notes:

Cornwall Farmers Limited

Cornwall Farmers Limited was established in 1921 and serves farms, rural communities and towns across Cornwall and Devon. A network of retail stores throughout stock a range of products that include animal and pet feeds, seeds, fertilisers, agro-chemicals, animal health, clothing, equestrian products, farm and garden hardware, agricultural, horticultural and garden machinery.
Cornwall Farmers has 14 outlets across Devon and Cornwall.

These are:

Devon: Dartington, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, South Molton, Torrington

Cornwall: Callington, Helston, Liskeard, Otterham, Penzance, Praze, Roche, Truro, Wadebridge

Membership of Cornwall Farmers Limited

Members join the society by purchasing £1 shares (minimum £100 investment), on which they earn interest (currently 4%). They also qualify for a bonus payment based on the amount of money they have spent on buying qualifying goods and services from the society during the year. Currently the bonus is 0.25p per pound spent.

Share capital retention is generally high because members appreciate the financial stability of the society and the competitive return on their investment. The level of interest and bonus payment depends on the level of trading surplus from year to year.

Website: www.cornwallfarmers.co.uk

About Cal Software Limited

Cal Software Limited is a leading provider of Supply Chain Solutions to Agribusiness. With over 25 years collaboration with the industry Cal has a reputation for delivering complex business systems across agriculture.

Website: www.calsoftware.co.uk

For more information contact:

Jason Clark
Deborah Clark & Associates
01872 276276
07980 834368

Andrew Cocks
Chief Executive
Cornwall Farmers Limited
01872 274301

Keith Richards
Commercial Director
Cal Software Limited
01257 231011

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Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mob: 07973 813647
Tel: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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