Negotiation has traditionally been seen as the “raison d’être” for procurement professionals. While the profession adds value in a variety of ways, the ability to negotiate well remains a core skill – love it or loath it! Preparation is everything when it comes to negotiating a favourable outcome. There are a number of ways of […]
How to Ensure Your Procurement Approach Supports Corporate Strategy
Do you really know what your organisation is trying to achieve? Profitability is probably part of it. But what about the strategy and priorities in more detail? Clarity on corporate strategy is important because departmental strategies need to be aligned. Procurement strategies, in turn, need to be extensions of those corporate and departmental strategies. In […]
Carbon-Neutral Supply Chains: How We Get There Together
A recent global emphasis on climate change and the disasters facing our planet has made companies more aware of their carbon footprints. As the urgent need for action and remedies arises, more and more businesses are looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The supply chain offers a unique opportunity – according to a […]
The Importance of Creativity in Business
It’s an old saying and perhaps a tired one: the only constant is change. But it’s difficult to ignore how crucial that statement is for business. If companies want to survive, innovation is the only way forward. As the CEO of Symes Group, Jessica Symes, says: “… Change is coming, the robots are here and […]
Considering Corporate Social Responsibility through Every Step of the Supply Chain
These days, there’s so much consumer awareness around the negative implications of businesses choosing the lowest cost sourcing options that companies can no longer risk taking this approach. Making supply chains both financially and socially sustainable may not be an easy task, but it’s an essential one. Your procurement approach can’t just be about finding […]
