Bouyed Retail Market Assured of Continued Success

BHBi says Christmas sales show the way ahead for beleagured High Street multiples is to reduce overheads and improve supply & prices to new net-aware customers.

Specialist internal audit & risk management firm BHBi Consultancy Ltd has announced the formation of its retail sector internal audit & assurance division.

After gloomy predictions of depressed Christmas retail sales proved largely incorrect, the High Street outlets look towards maintaining improved trading in 2006.

“In the face of stiff competition, many shrewd retailers have gone back to basics and redesigned their operations, identified and managed their risks, cut out waste and bureacracy, and reduced costs”, says Mark Barnes, BHBi Director for the Retail Division.

This approach has been most vocally led by Marks & Spencer in order to turn around the business, and head off potential bidders. The benefits are now materialising which position M&S to take advantage of the retail revival.

“Managers, shareholders, and customers all seek to benefit, and our review and assurance programmes are designed to offer real tangible improvements”, said Barnes.

BHBi has established its new retail division to provide assurance & risk management advice and support to businesses seeking to improve their in-store, warehousing, back-office, and Head Office operations.

Managed by Mark Barnes, the retail division has recruited highly skilled and experienced internal audit professionals with over 40 years specialist experience of retail auditing and audit training within blue chip retailing environments.

Note for Editors
BHBi is a professional consultancy, specialising in internal audit, risk management, and corporate governance, based in Cardiff. It delivers internal audit assurance consultancy solutions: in-house, outsourcing and partnership; quality assurance, risk management, & training.

Further information

pdf version of press release

www.bhbi.co.uk
o r Contact Mark Barnes on 07906 972147 email: markbarnes@bhbi.co.uk