A story in today’s Financial Times reports that the UK’s top chief execs are more likely to have been better at sport than academic studies. The survey of 100 business chiefs from FTSE500 companies found 25 per cent had won prizes for academic achievement, and 46 per cent had been awarded for sporting brilliance. Some [...]
Last Sunday the Top Gear team set themselves a challenge to buy a used car that could be converted into a car that could be used by the police. The point was that if the police bought used, second-hand cars they wouldn’t be as worried about wrecking them, and would be able to take a [...]
Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has today outlined the Government's plans to look at how "public procurement can be used to deliver transparency and change" regarding the pay gap between men and women. And there are also plans to outlaw "gagging clauses" in employment contracts (which prevent employees talking about salaries). What do you think about [...]
In this issue's Soapbox, Lesley Miller from Social Enterprise London explains how buyers can boost their use of social enterprises. "So how can you achieve all this? Proactive market development may be needed to build a social enterprise supply base. Contact third sector networks and arrange "meet the buyer" days to find out about social [...]
Last night's BBC Panorama show went undercover in India to examine fashion giant Primark's supply chain and ethical practices. Posing as a fashion buyer, the reporter discovered factories sub-contracting finishing work (mainly beading and embroidery) to back street sweat shops, home-based operations using child labour, and even to Sri Lankan refugee camps. Primark denied all [...]
In this issue, we look at two of the more glamourous areas of buying; rubbing shoulders with celebs in a procurement job at a media organisation and buying for the ultra-cool Glastonbury music festival. Apart from the exciting world of TV, film and music, what other glamourous purchasing roles are out there? What would be [...]
This story on the Telegraph website, reveals how Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is getting tough on the football club’s players in a bid to cut costs. Ashley plans to make them buy their own club suits, which are believed to cost £20,000 a season. He will also assess the players motoring expenses and mobile [...]
This issue's knowledge zone offers tips on flying through CIPS exams from Bill Wright, senior assessor of Advanced Project Management. His advice is to read the exam guidelines on the CIPS website, apply your knowledge by giving practical examples, be aware of the marks available and format your response to fit the marks. Do you [...]
In the next issue of Supply Management, out tomorrow – Features Stars in their buys - Purchasing in the music, film, TV and newspaper business Music, mud and money – How the Glastonbury music festival manages its £21 million spend each year The spirit of St Louis – A round-up from the 93rd ISM annual [...]
On this morning’s Radio 4 Today programme Simon Cummins, head of the sports practice at headhunters Odgers Ray & Berndtson, was discussing the task the firm has of finding someone to lead England’s bid to host the 2018 football world cup. He mentioned a number of skills that would be necessary for the post holder [...]
