10 September 2009

Two buyers who helped save millions of pounds for their organisations collected the top gongs in the individual categories of the CIPS Supply Management awards last night.

Jane Scadding, from logistics and distribution service provider Wincanton, was named CIPS purchasing and supply management professional of the year. Matthew Rees from HSBC became the CIPS young purchasing and supply management professional of the year.

Scadding, who joined Wincanton in 2004, transformed its formerly transactional and low-value purchasing function to a key strategic business partner. Her work has benefited Wincanton to the tune of several million pounds, and procurement is now a regular part of the executive board agenda.

The judges said: "Jane comes across as a strong and motivational leader and the procurement team members have clearly benefited from her strategic approach."

Scadding said it was her team who deserved the accolade. "I cannot do it all on my own," she said, speaking after the ceremony. "We got new people and new drive. I have a fantastic procurement team; they delivered this."

Rees, 25, described as a "definite rising star", went from graduate to head of purchasing at HSBC Middle East within 22 months of joining the firm. As a graduate buyer in the global banking and markets commodity group, he generated savings of more than £17 million in his first 18 months. Judges praised his level of competence and achievements made in a very short space of time.

Rees told Supply Management: "It was a very strong shortlist, so I was delighted to be chosen. I am very fortunate at an early stage of my career to have had the opportunities I've been given at HSBC. Hopefully I will prosper within the company and continue to develop."

Read the full details of the winners in the 24 September 2009 issue of Supply Management magazine.