Movember…time to grow some whiskers for procurement and supplier executives? (Part 2 of 2)

By Richard Hogg

Following on from part one of the Movember themed post, where we asked whether supplier A should take a haircut despite mutual recognition of over-performance, and no price increase for several years, this week we consider a different scenario, that of a buyer.

To Err is Human: The Perils of Auto-Correct

By Anderley Walton

With ever evolving technology and the increased use of smartphones, more and more business deals are taking place remotely, on the go or from various corners of the world. Sourcing events are no longer confined to the board room over an array of stale biscuits but can instead take place swiftly and effectively via the Internet. However, with this rising use of remote communication, the need to be clear is imperative, but what can we do when our communication skills are outsourced or even predicted?

The following will discuss a common topic which will no doubt have affected us all at one stage: auto-correct.

HCSA Conference: A system and supply chain in crisis?

By Scott Pryde

The UK healthcare system is in crisis. Demand exceeds supply, innovation continues unabated and funding is restricted. More and more trusts are heading into deficit and key supply chains such as; clinical staff, pharmaceuticals and medtech remain some of the most inefficient in the world.

The Carrot & The Stick: Part 1

By Thomas Paiva-Pennick

Trust.

It’s a small word that can mean a lot. In a personal context it can be the difference between a close friend and an acquaintance. But in a business context it can be the difference between profits and growth or losses and bankruptcy.

In procurement, it is now widely accepted that we must build strategic relationships with our suppliers; not simply drive down the price and to hell with the consequences. The advantages of a strategic relationship can be harder to quantify, but are just as important. How many times have any of us needed a quick turnaround due to unforeseen demand and found ourselves being bailed out by a supplier with whom we have a good working relationship?

10 Bits of Kit You Wish You Had at Work

By Steven Low

With Facebook now releasing details of their new product ‘Facebook at Work’, and clearly no expense spared in coming up with a snappy title (although this idea was something I talked about years ago!), I got to thinking about other technologies that I wished we had at work – with necessary tweaks obviously!

So here’s my top ten of products/software/equipment that I wish were in my work environment and would make me an even more awesome employee than I already am.

Movember...time to grow some whiskers for procurement and supplier executives? (Part 1 of 2)

By Richard Hogg

We’re mid-way through November, and the annual Movember charity initiative started by those crazy Antipodeans is hitting home with some really ‘interesting’ facial sculptures trotting round the streets (and offices) of many towns and cities.

So, what’s this got to do with procurement and supply?

The End of the Line? EU Membership and UK Public Sector Procurement

By Thomas Paiva-Pennick

Jumping aboard the railway theme, started in Scott’s earlier article about HS3, I'd like to discuss the possible effects that leaving the EU will have on UK Public Sector Procurement.

This fact again made the headlines recently following Abellio winning the ScotRail contract from Aberdeen based company First, adding the Scottish rail network to a portfolio that already includes the Greater Anglia rail service, bus services in London and Surrey and a number of other concerns in a joint-venture with Serco.

HS3 - Coming to a station near you?

by Scott Farrance

The arrival of HS2 and now, HS3 has been mooted for a few years and is now more of a formality than a possibility; the UK will finally have a mainline high speed network to compete with many of the other developed and industrial powers of the world. It is seen as imperative not only by the government, but by business leaders in the Midlands and North of England, that a fast, reliable and efficient mode of transport is created to former powerhouses of the UK and the Empire, such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.