Secure Supply Chain Scotland

Secure Supply Chain Scotland (SSCS) (previously – Distribution Industry Partnership Scotland) is a unique partnership consisting of alcohol spirit producers, associated hauliers and freight forwarders, logistic providers, delivery companies and insurance houses which has been in existence since 1990.

The group were originally formed due to a series of attacks on vehicles carrying spirits between distribution centres and point of sale or export. The producers held informal discussions about what could be done to protect not only the goods but also the drivers and before long they formed an official group know then as the Drinks Industry Partnership Scotland.

With the focus now much broader than just spirits, the name has been changed to reflect the broadening influence and focus.

John Fallen
Chairperson, Wm Grant & Son

Derek Milne
Vice Chairperson, Malcolm Group (Logistics)

David Wallace
Vice Chairperson, JG Russel

Paule Mayoh
Royal & Sun Alliance

John Melrose
Malcolm Group (Logistics)

Tom Cavanagh
J Dewar & Son Ltd

Hugh Hamill
JF Hillebrand

Joan McDonnell
Chivas Brothers Ltd

Gerard McCready
Diageo

If you would like find out more or make an enquiry about becoming a member please e-mail [email protected] or call 01786 447 441.

SSCS has the capability to gather, share and process information and intelligence from a variety of sources, which gives member companies not only a distinct advantage over competitors, but also increased protection from crime.

Through a simple but effective incident reporting process, allied to its links with law enforcement and intelligence gathering organisations, relevant information and intelligence about current or emerging threats within the UK and beyond is gathered, assessed and circulated to members on a regular basis.

The information can be analysed to look at seasonal trends and provide reports on a variety of issues which companies can use for forward planning and mitigation of risk. The gathering, storage and processing of the information, intelligence and any personal data is done in a manner which complies with data protection legislation.

SSCS is a representative body which has a number of goals that are common to all its members. The organisation stands for and promotes the ideas and interests of the members. As a distinct group within the Supply Chain Workstream, it has a unique association with SBRC and all the benefits that it entails. SSCS champions the interests of companies who deal with both local and central Government on issues affecting an individual member but also on matters of national importance.

The close links with other representative bodies associated with the haulage and logistics industry mean that our influence is wide ranging and has reputational integrity within the industry

The industry within which SSCS members operate is highly regulated with a variety of standards and accreditations. As a result, the focus of SSCS is developing best practice processes relating to security, resilience and risk management across the supply chain.

It is recognised that one size does not fit all, but depends on the size of the company and the business portfolio. That said, issues such as incident recording and reporting have been tackled successfully with a pro-forma incident reporting document adopted which is suitable irrespective of the type of incident that has occurred.

Other adopted processes are an agreed procedure with Police Scotland should a cargo theft occur and a Vulnerable Load Scheme adopted by drivers during a ‘vehicle stop’.

SSCS has a single point of contact for other representative organisations with which it has links. Organisations such as the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Logistics UK and British Standards Institute (BSI) work in partnership on mutually beneficial projects to ensure that all companies represented are better equipped to deal with changes in legislation both within the UK and beyond.

Security advice and information is exchanged regularly and this includes incident reporting, as well as developments in technology that are designed to protect various aspects of the company business.

All representative organisations provide a slightly different focus for members, with SSCS being a leader in business continuity advice and guidance within the distribution industry.

As a representative body for the distribution industry, SSCS are uniquely positioned to have access to, and partnership agreements with, all the emergency services, from executive level to front-line officers.

The lines of communication also allow developing trends to be identified early and action taken by members to mitigate any possible impact on business. Our links with emergency services continue to develop and improve, benefiting all concerned.

As a member of SSCS, companies benefit from strength in numbers with protection and support moving forward. The history and heritage of its members and the collaborative nature of the organisation make it well placed to stand up to the challenges faced in competitive markets.

The association with SBRC and its combined resources ensures that where issues arise or government policy is open to consultation or discussion, the voice of SSCS members is greater than the sum of its parts.

The significance of being able to attend an annual Parliamentary Reception with access to government Ministers and public servants should not be underestimated, and we appreciate this interest and support.