ABSTRACT
The enormous size and complexities of distribution in the British economy can be summarized with a few statistics. One of the first Economic Development Committees to be set up by the National Economic Development Council in 1964 was for the distributive trades. In view of the comparative paucity of information about the distributive trades, the Committee has spent a considerable part of its energies in particular enquiries aimed at increasing knowledge. In a progress report on its activities dated May 6, 1966 the Committee stated that one of the best ways of increasing efficient distribution may be by the greater use of consultancy services both for the study of general problems and for giving advice to individual firms. Jones & Homersham Limited is a private firm of builders’ and plumbers’ merchants in Kingston-upon-Thames. The builders’ merchant is concerned with stocking and supplying the thousands of items of materials, components, fittings, and equipment that the builder needs.
