Supplier conference kicks off new performance recognition programme for 2025

Chris Benton, Head of Purchasing and Supply Chain

Dennis Eagle welcomed over 200 attendees to its first online supplier conference in March. During the event, it introduced its new programme to grade and recognise high-performing suppliers, which will support the company’s ongoing commitment to product quality and customer experience.

Dennis Eagle has a fantastic network of more than one hundred suppliers that contribute to our products, services and success. Over 200 representatives from these companies joined us for our first online supplier conference in March, hosted by Head of Purchasing and Supply Chain, Chris Benton.

During the event, Chris and his team shared an update on the Dennis Eagle business strategy and growth plans for 2025, and set expectations for its supply network, outlining its ambitions to further improve supplier quality and service.

“We’re strengthening our commitment to delivering exceptional products by building an even more resilient, reliable and high-performing supply chain,” explains Chris Benton. “By collaborating closely, fostering stronger partnerships and driving continuous improvements in quality and innovation throughout our supply chain, we’re ensuring that our customers receive products that are not only reliable but also at the forefront of our industry.”

Striving for the same goal

Continuous improvements across a number of critical areas will help Dennis Eagle and its supplier network reach its goals. These include communication, compliance, collaboration and support, innovation and improvement, quality standards and timeliness.

“We’ve identified areas where we can take proactive steps to elevate the performance of our supply chain partners,” Chris adds. “We’re seeking to strengthen communication, minimise disruptions and ensure a consistent supply of dependable products. Additionally, we’ll be looking to a more sustainable future, reviewing environmental and social responsibility aspects to ensure our products are sourced in a way that aligns with our values. Through these improvement initiatives, we’re directly investing in the quality, reliability and value that we offer to our customers.”

Recognising outstanding performance

From July 2025, Dennis Eagle will introduce a new supplier recognition programme that will review and grade companies from Platinum through to Bronze.

Suppliers will be monitored monthly across several key performance areas: on time in full (OTIF) delivery; process performance index (Ppk), relating to defects per thousand parts supplied; compliance; business infrastructure; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.

There will be a rolling six-month grading with high-performing suppliers benefiting from new business opportunities and recognition. The first annual awards event for Platinum and Gold suppliers will take place in Q1 2026, based on performance in the final six months of 2025.

“We want to better recognise and reward our suppliers that continuously go above and beyond to deliver; those that are innovating, working to reduce the impact of emissions and the product lifecycle, and managing an economically stable pipeline that prevents line stoppages,” adds Chris. “Our monthly performance review will further improve communication with our suppliers and allow us to identify issues early and take preventative action if potential disruption is anticipated.”

Dennis Eagle plans to host an in-person event for key suppliers later this year to further bolster engagement and improvements that will ultimately positively impact its customer experience.