With over 30 years of continuous growth, DCS Group has become the UK’s leading distributor of major household and personal care brands. As a trusted supply chain organisation, it delivers an unmatched range of market-leading products to its customers. As DCS expands, it relies on Coface as a vital partner in reaching its goals.
About DCS Group
Founded in 1994, DCS Group is the UK’s leading distributor of FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brands, representing huge giants within the industry. Serving over 500 customers, from independent wholesalers to major retail chains— the company not only excels in distribution but also operates its own manufacturing facility. Here, it produces private-label toiletries and its own Enliven range, further diversifying its portfolio.
Growth without growing pains
DCS has achieved significant and rapid growth by focusing on its core strengths. As CFO, Johnathan Berry explains, “Focusing on what we know and what we’re good at” underpins the company’s strategy.
This approach includes seizing opportunities, like partnering with major retail chains to expand its health and beauty offering — a collaboration that Jonathan describes as a “great success” and a testament to DCS’s ability to deliver value to its customers.
Despite its impressive growth trajectory, DCS is facing financial challenges familiar to many businesses, such as rising interest rates, labour costs, and transport expenses. To maintain its sustainable growth, DCS relies on its own internal Risk Committee’s strategies, including effective credit management and credit insurance, which it considers mission-critical in navigating these pressures.
The Solution
For over a decade, Coface has supported DCS Group with its TradeLiner policy, a flexible credit insurance solution that includes:
- Real-time credit risk monitoring for customer accounts.
- Insurance against payment defaults, protecting up to 90% of unpaid invoices.
- Debt collection services to recover overdue payments quickly and effectively.
The policy is tailored to DCS’s needs, providing additional cover options when required and empowering the company to focus on growth with confidence. Over the past decade, Coface has supported DCS as it doubled its sales and avoided potentially painful bad debts. “Coface insurance just makes life easy,” says CFO Johnathan Berry, highlighting how it gives DCS the freedom to concentrate on its growth strategy.
Protecting the balance sheet
Coface’s partnership with DCS has played a pivotal role in the distributor’s success, helping it to double sales and avoid significant bad debts.
"We’ve probably escaped a few bad debts over the years because Coface flagged risks early on,"their insights helped us make timely decisions and avoid losses. It’s that peace of mind that allows us to focus on growing the business.” says CFO Johnathan Berry.
When an invoice is overdue, DCS relies on Coface to either collect the outstanding amount or cover up to 90% of the debt. “It might not necessarily become a claim,” Johnathan explains, “but having a third party with authority to chase payments is very effective.”
Accelerating Toward the Future
Marking its 30th anniversary with £350m in annual sales, DCS has set ambitious goals to reach £500m. With its unique ability to simplify supply chains and add value to its customers, the company is well positioned to achieve these targets.
Jonathan reflects: “We need service providers that can go on the journey with us. We’ve more than doubled our sales growth in my time at DCS and Coface has always supported us as we’ve grown by giving us more cover when we've needed it.”
As DCS scales, Coface remains an indispensable partner, providing the credit management tools needed to protect its balance sheet and seize new opportunities.
"Coface’s consistent support has been crucial to our journey," adds Johnathan. "Their team is knowledgeable, collaborative, and always ready to provide the cover we need. We’d certainly recommend them to any business looking for comprehensive credit insurance.”
About DCS Group
Visit DCS Group website to explore their impressive story and see how they are driving growth for their customers and shaping the future of their industry.
For further information, feel free to contact their team.
Why Choose Coface?
Coface is committed to empowering businesses like DCS Group by transforming credit risk into opportunities for growth. Through tailored solutions and expert guidance, Coface enables its clients to focus on what they do best, driving their businesses forward.
Visit our website to discover how we can help your business achieve sustainable growth and stability.
