03 August 2006 | Rebecca Ellinor
Today sees the announcement of the shortlist for this year's CIPS Supply Management Awards.
After a vigorous debate, the judging panel has condensed the 160 entries in the 10 team and two individual categories to just a few potential winners.
A number of the organisations shortlisted appear more than once, with pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline appearing in four categories.
The Ministry of Defence warrants three mentions in different areas. The department itself is shortlisted in the best people development initiative category and two of its agencies, the Defence Logistics Organisation and the Integration Authority, are shortlisted in the most improved purchasing operation - step change, and for best purchaser-supplier partnership respectively.
The Environment Agency, HSBC, Axa UK and BAE Systems are also all shortlisted in three categories. Axa's third entry is for Steve Wills, one of two individuals shortlisted for the CIPS Purchasing and Supply Management Professional of the Year.
Virgin Atlantic Airways, EDF Energy, BT and the Department for Work and Pensions each have two entries shortlisted. One of BT's entries is for Steve Bentley, one of four individuals shortlisted for the CIPS Young Purchasing and Supply Management Professional of the Year award.
Gerry Walsh, CIPS vice-president and chair of the judging panel, said: "The judges were delighted with the quality of the entries. The standard seems to have gone up again this year."
Walsh, who is also group procurement and logistics director at food firm RHM, said he was pleased to note a rise in entries from the public sector and added that improvements in the corporate responsibility entries suggests this area has matured.
Ariba is the event's headline sponsor for the third year. Hays Purchasing & Supply and Atos Consulting also return as sponsors. The Office of Government Commerce and RS are supporting the event for the first time.
The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner on 26 October at the London Hilton on Park Lane. For more details and to book your table, call the awards team on 020 7880 6249 or visit
www.cipssmawards.comSMaug2006
