the Purchasing Department.

This vital department has the responsibility of maintaining a balanced inventory of just under $5 million, spanning some 250 suppliers.

Principal purchasing officers and subsidiary buyers, who purchase for individual customers, make up their purchasing team.

Each buyer is responsible for negotiating price, specials, and ensuring timely delivery to our warehouse.

Ms Vanderpool priorities containers and also watches over customs clearance to ensure the timely movement of paperwork through to accounts payable. "Ms Vanderpool said: "There is never a dull moment at BGA. My challenge of balancing inventory is extremely mentally stimulating.'' Bermuda doesn't produce anything on its own. Ninety nine percent of its goods are shipped in from other places.

BGA's Purchasing Department deals globally, importing goods from places like the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, UK, Belgium, France, Philippines and others.

"We have invested a great deal of time and effort to get the best buyers, those people who have experience in buying and make sure they come to the market with relationships which helps us to buy better,'' said CEO John Tomlinson.

"From our vendors' point of view, from what I'm hearing, the standard of technology provided through the AS400 mainframe, sets us apart from everyone in Bermuda and the Caribbean. The AS400 computer gives minute to minute tracking of inventory.

"No one else in Bermuda has the tracking capabilities we have,'' said Ms Vanderpool.

PHTOO Purchasing manager: Barbara Vanderpool, left, checks inventory levels of Herbal Essences with Bethany Butcher, a recent addition to the purchasing department.

BGA's dynamic Health and Beauty Team managed by Mark Finnigan.

MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP