Jake joined the SM ranks in January 2008, after gathering experience at a number of publications including the Sunday Mirror and Four Four Two. As news editor, he enjoys being at the front line of everything topical in procurement and has a particular interest in Whitehall issues, as well as purchasing transformation projects. If Jake were to set up a new business, a good buyer would be his first recruit.
Picture workers in your supply chain being mistreated: beaten, discriminated, humiliated and even scared. Now imagine those people working down the road.
Buyers in the construction industry are not exactly revered for their expertise in supplier relationship. But Steven Morgan, capital projects director for airport operator BAA, is championing a different approach.
Last week we allowed your colleagues in sales a bit of a whine. They say they are treated “like commodities” by buyers. In that case, purchasers have them exactly where they want them.
This story in the Staffordshire and South Cheshire newspaper The Sentinel caught my eye. According to the piece, the Stoke-on-Trent City Council has drafted in a new £80,000-a-year head of procurement to overhaul the “struggling department”.
Our story yesterday on women-owned businesses stirred an interesting reaction among some of the female members of the SM team.
I was told this month that Capgemini is soon to announce one of the most substantial procurement outsourcing deals in the market. I have my suspicions as to who this is.
“SRM in identity crisis?!” I hear you cry. This is what I was told last week. A little melodramatic you may think, but not without grounding.
So the UK has finally stumbled out of recession. Cue mass pontificating (including from us) about what this means for businesses, politicians and your average Joe.
The sale of Cadbury to the Yanks is big news over here in the UK. It has sparked a wave of fevered patriotism and nostalgia over an iconic British brand.
Buyers have a lot on their plates. Getting costs down forms part of a delicate web of other priorities, including sustainability, SRM and risk – to name but a few. But purchasers can now add selling to this list.
