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News 2007

This page lists purchasing and supply news from 2007.

  • Manufacturing growth slips againManufacturing growth in December was at its slowest for nine months, the latest CIPS/RBS purchasing index has revealed. 03/01/2007 00:00:01
  • New contracts help construction growthThe rate of total construction activity growth accelerated last month. 03/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Keep sourcing but watch ethicsA workers' rights organisation is urging retailers to keep their contracts with suppliers in low-cost sourcing countries, despite publishing a report on poor working conditions in some factories. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Outsourcing boomThere will be a great rise in the procurement outsourcing market in 2007, experts have predicted. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • NAO claims OGCbs can save £1bn a yearOGCbuying.solutions, the trading arm of the OGC, could push public sector savings beyond £1 billion a year, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). To meet this aim, however, it would need to double its current market penetration while maintaining existing savings. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Review for AstraZenecaPharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plans to improve its supply chain arrangements for distributing medicines in the UK. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Health trusts should diversify in ITHospitals and trusts should consider widening their IT sources according to a new report. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Home Office books fail to add upThe Home Office has failed to prove its records of outstanding payments match those of suppliers, according to the public spending watchdog. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Consultant use up by a thirdSpending on consultants across the public sector has risen by 33 per cent in two years, according to the National Audit Office. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement progressThe role of procurement professionals has changed significantly over the past 10 years and there is "tremendous opportunity" to develop the profession even further, according to some of its senior members. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Gender pay gap narrows in USSalaries for female buyers in the US are rising more quickly than those of their male counterparts and purchasing salaries in general, a survey has revealed. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyer, outsource thyselfThis year procurement outsourcing looks set to grow, with China the favoured destination for offshoring. Paul Snell examines the predicted impact on buyers 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Mayor launches ethical policyNew sustainable procurement guidelines will allow London's communities to benefit from the city's prosperity, according to Mayor Ken Livingstone. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Salmonella costs Cadbury £30mCadbury Schweppes has admitted the UK salmonella outbreak last summer will cost it £30 million. The confectionery giant was forced to withhold supplies when up to 37 people fell ill after eating its products. Sales were further hit by the subsequent customer concern. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Service sector reaches nine-and-a-half-year highActivity in the services sector reached its highest level since 1997 last month, according to the latest CIPS/RBS purchasing managers index. 04/01/2007 00:00:01
  • MoD lease deal to save £8 millionThe Ministry of Defence (MoD) will save £8.1 million by renewing a contract for Royal Navy ships early. 05/01/2007 00:00:01
  • EU procurement legislation threatens councilsEU involvement in public sector outsourcing will place "intolerable burdens" on councils and businesses, according to the UK's Local Government Association (LGA). 05/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Management support vital to logistics benchmarkingThere are seven essential factors in supply chain benchmarking, according to a US study. 08/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Postal changes have not helped small firmsMany small companies are unaware of the benefits of increased competition in postal services, according to a study by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 08/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Supply chain managers claim mergers are disruptiveTwo thirds of supply chain executives think company mergers are disruptive to their organisations, according to an online survey. 10/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Risk management investment increasesAlmost half of US companies are planning to implement supply chain risk management (SCRM) technology in the next two years, according to a new study by AMR Research. 10/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Contracts available online for north-west councilsThe North West Centre of Excellence (NWCE) has launched an online contracts register that enables local authorities to share information on current and future purchasing contracts. 12/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Fraudulent expenses top £150 millionCompanies have been urged to keep a closer eye on employee expenses, after a survey revealed that nearly five per cent of all claims were false. 12/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Suppliers to help M&S meet environmental planChanging the behaviour of its suppliers will form a key element of Marks & Spencer's new environmental plan, announced today. 15/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Recycled materials cut construction costsConstruction firms are using more recycled materials in building projects to increase sustainability and reduce costs, according to a UK recycling agency. 15/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Becta challenged over IT frameworkA small software supplier is challenging a framework agreement set up by the British Educational Communications and Technology Alliance (Becta), arguing that it has broken procurement rules. 17/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Royal Mail loses another contractBT has ended its postal contract with Royal Mail, claiming it can increase its savings and obtain better service from the private sector. 17/01/2007 00:00:01
  • What's your job worth?Local authorities have until the end of March to complete a job evaluation process. Jennifer Taylor examines the likely effect on buyers 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • EC criticises energy marketEuropean energy markets "don't function properly" and businesses are "missing out on lower prices", according to a damning EC report. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Cameron offers food for thoughtConservative party leader David Cameron has called for a "revolution" in the way the government purchases food. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Wait for perks from bigger EUThe accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU may have significant advantages for buyers looking for low-cost country sourcing locations. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Copper prices spiral downCopper fell to its lowest price for nine months in early January. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Are fake goods a growing problem for procurement?Under half of buyers consider counterfeit products present a growing problem to their profession, according to the latest SM poll of 100 buyers. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Wal-Mart top buyer leaves 'for family'The president and CEO of global procurement at Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has resigned from his role. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Face up to the fraudstersA rise in low-cost country sourcing and pressure to purchase cheaper products can leave supply chains vulnerable to counterfeiters, warns Antony Barton 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Clarification- 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Snapshot of Christmas tradingShares in photographic retailer Jessops fell by 15 per cent after the firm admitted to poor Christmas figures, attributing this in part to supply shortages. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • UN imposes post-job limitsThe UN has introduced "unprecedented" tough new post-employment restrictions on its buyers. 18/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Manufacturing supply chains will see "no major investment"European companies will "pick and choose" the supply chain technology they need in 2007 rather than make major investment, a report says. 19/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Government contracts for small firms could save taxpayers' moneyThe government would save public money and create fairer competition if it procured more goods and services from small businesses, according to a pressure group. 19/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Dell to encourage supplier diversity in USUS computer manufacturer Dell is aiming to boost its business with increased use of minority suppliers. 22/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Asia will be first choice for scientific knowledgeScientific expertise will increasingly come from China, India and South Korea unless Britain boosts its collaborative research with these countries, according to new reports. 22/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Online guidance to cut consultant useLocal authorities should reduce their consultant spend every year, according to online guidance published today, which aims to change the way councils procure consultants. 24/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Grocery suppliers squeezed by clientsOver half of grocery suppliers have been forced to make payments to their clients for marketing or promotional investment. 24/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Mixed reaction to public procurement shake-upBusiness bodies have had mixed reactions to the changes to public sector procurement announced this week. 26/01/2007 00:00:01
  • London Underground joins the ETILondon Underground (LU) has become the first public sector organisation to sign up to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). 26/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Protesters condemn Burberry job lossesBurberry staff from south Wales marched on the London store at the weekend to protest against the planned closure of its factory in Treorchy and the transfer of jobs outside the UK. 29/01/2007 00:00:01
  • £1 billion 'wasted' on print costsUK business could save more than £1 billion on print costs if it relied less on outsourcing and managed its printing more efficiently, according to the Centre for Economic Business Research (CEBR). 29/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Oughton resigns from OGCJohn Oughton, the chief executive of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), is to stand down at the end of March. 30/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Maverick spend not a "major issue" for buyersControlling maverick spend remains a minor issue for procurement professionals managing indirects, a report claims. 31/01/2007 00:00:01
  • Are mediators needed?Almost two-thirds of buyers believe outside intervention is necessary in the relationship between buyers and suppliers, according to the latest SM poll. 01/02/2007 00:00:00
  • OGC reforms: job cuts 'possible'Hundreds of government buyers face an uncertain future, following the announcement that the OGC will become "a smaller, more focused, higher calibre organisation". 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • DH confirms 'super-agency' plansThe Department of Health (DH) has confirmed the formation of a "super-agency" that will incorporate its Commercial Directorate and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (Pasa). 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • M&S/Tesco to cut CO2Two of the UK's major retailers have announced plans to boost their green credentials. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Gone in the Wiink of an eyeJapanese video game manufacturer Nintendo is suffering a supply shortage of its recently released Wii console. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Broadband deal release easierBusinesses should find it easier to switch broadband supplier following changes introduced by Ofcom this month. A "significant minority" of customers had expressed difficulty with changing suppliers. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • MPs put pressure on OGCbuying.solutionsA group of MPs has attacked OGCbuying.solutions for "extraordinarily low" market penetration, a lack of customer communication and unfavourable comparison with the private sector. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Supply tested over XmasOnline retailers lost sales over Christmas because their supply chains were unable to cope with customer demand, according to an online trade body. At the same time, the company behind high street chain Poundstretcher, Instore, recorded better results than expected because of supply chain improvements. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Surrey saves £18mSurrey County Council has made savings of almost £18 million since last April by transforming its procurement processes. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers hit by travel cost hikesBuyers will face big rises in business travel costs this year, according to a survey. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Slow procurement threatens progress of school buildingsSwifter procurement processes are needed if the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme is to survive, says president of the Association of School and College Leaders Malcolm Trobe. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Medics criticise drug shortagePatients are being put at risk because of attempts to cut supplier bills, according to the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA). 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Picking up the piecesThe Napoli disaster, which left shipments washed ashore, highlights the perils of delivery by sea. Antony Barton looks at what buyers can do to minimise the risks 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Treasury transforms government procurementThe long awaited Treasury report on the OGC finally arrived last week, with plans to overhaul the department and increase procurement skills across government. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • UK manufacturing accelerates for first time in five monthsRates of expansion for UK manufacturing and new orders accelerated for the first time in five months in January, according to the latest CIPS/RBS Purchasing Managers' Index. 01/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Confidence in construction rides highConfidence in the UK construction sector is at its strongest for 11 months, thanks to sharp activity and new order growth in January. 02/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers must consider long-term effectsSustainable purchasing can only be achieved if buyers are set targets to reduce environmental impact in the long term, the head of the Olympic sustainability commission has said. 02/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Growth of services activity remains strongStrong growth and new business continued in the services sector last month, although rates of expansion were weaker than in the last quarter of 2006. 05/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers' role in corporate travel 'will increase'Procurement continues to strengthen its grip on corporate travel, according to a recent study. 05/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Payment terms lengthen againSmall suppliers are waiting up to 80 days to receive payment, according to a new study. 07/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Tories vow to scrap ID cardsThe Conservative Party has formally announced it will scrap the ID card scheme if it comes to power. 07/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Efficiency savings claims 'inaccurate'Nearly three-quarters of the government's claimed £13.3 billion of efficiency savings "carry a significant risk of inaccuracy", according to Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office (NAO). 09/02/2007 00:00:01
  • EU contract laws could burden UK firmsUK firms selling goods and services across the EU might soon have to abide by the trade laws of all member states, under proposed new regulations. 09/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Construction "worst" at sustainable procurementThe construction industry is the worst at sustainable procurement, according to one of its leading chief executives. 12/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Olympic contracts go onlineThe Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has launched two websites to help companies compete for up to 2,000 contracts connected with the London 2012 games. 12/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils aim to save with recruitment contractFourteen East Midlands councils have set up a three-year framework agreement for temporary staff. 14/02/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC looks for private sector helpThe OGC is to ask the private sector for help conducting its procurement capability reviews. 14/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Phone giant's £1.4bn spendThe Carphone Warehouse is establishing a global procurement group to cover its entire operation. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • NAO criticises efficiency figuresNearly three quarters of the government's claimed £13.3 billion of efficiency savings "carry a significant risk of inaccuracy", according to Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office (NAO). 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Response to SPTFThe government will deliver its response to the Sustainable Procurement Task Force (SPTF) report "by the end of February", delegates at a conference in London were told. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Anti-fake firms speak outGovernments must clamp down on fake goods, according to business leaders. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Wal-Mart's $11bn 'green' savingsWal-Mart has pledged to work more closely with suppliers to reduce its environmental impact. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Large firms pay more and average is £40kSalaries offered to buyers by small businesses are beginning to compete with those offered by larger firms, according to purchasing recruitment company Purcon. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • New roles for 'superstars'Two of SM's "Superstars of Procurement 2006" have accepted new roles. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC fails to justify consultant useThe head of the OGC has admitted that nobody can assess with accuracy the value of consultants used by the public sector, even though it spent £2.8 billion on them in 2005-06 (News, 4 January). 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Drugs firms cut 13,000 jobsTwo of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies are to axe thousands of jobs to cut costs and improve efficiency. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Push and pull to stop mavericksBuyers believe that using a combination of "carrot" and "stick" methods is the best way to control maverick spend. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • HR happy to negotiateMore than half of all HR departments believe they can negotiate with suppliers as effectively as procurement. 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Petcom denies rule breach- 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Treasury: major reform for OGCJob cuts, a new chief executive and improved procurement skills - that's the outlook for the OGC in the light of a new report, says Antony Barton 15/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Dell reorganises procurementProcurement and supply chain operations at computer manufacturer Dell are to be centralised. 16/02/2007 00:00:01
  • US market beats Europe in Supply Chain FinanceDemand for Supply Chain Finance (SCF) is growing strongly in Europe, but lags behind the more mature US market, according to a new study. 16/02/2007 00:00:01
  • NESTA urges innovation through public procurementThe National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) has joined the CBI and the Conservative Party in calling for public spending to be used to stimulate innovation. 19/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Most firms see 'green' travel as low priorityOnly one in three companies operate a travel policy that supports sustainability, according to new research. 19/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers threaten to abandon BAMore than 60 companies are threatening to switch airlines if British Airways changes the way travel buyers have to purchase tickets. 21/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Reputation threat causes surge in product recallsCompanies' concern for their reputation caused product recalls in the UK to increase by up to a fifth in some sectors in the past year. 21/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Fire and rescue authorities benefit from BT dealUK fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) are likely to cut procurement spend after signing up to an agreement to purchase IT and communications more cheaply. 23/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Companies don't know the cost of outsourcingMore than three quarters of companies are unaware how much an outsourcing provider costs, according to a survey. 23/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Responsible procurement moves up council's agendaA revised procurement strategy for Broxbourne Borough Council has a new emphasis on ethical and socially responsible purchasing. 26/02/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC forecasts big savings on government estateThe OGC expects to make £1.5 billion savings on the government estate by 2013. 26/02/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS looks to bar codes to save moneyElectronic devices with bar-coding technology could cut medics' workloads and help save £2 billion. 28/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Royal Mail seeks to reduce business mail chargesRoyal Mail has called for an overhaul of postal regulation to allow it to cut business mail charges and increase competitiveness. 28/02/2007 00:00:01
  • Manufacturers record positive activityBuyers in manufacturing remain positive about 2007 as activity in the sector posted its highest reading for more than two-and-a-half years. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • DH faces double spend criticismThe Department of Health (DH) has been forced to defend itself from criticism about overspending on drugs and unfair procurement practice. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Plans to ease trade across EU statesThe European Commission has announced plans to ease the passage of goods between EU states. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Chrysler ups spend on low-cost sourcingCar manufacturer DaimlerChrysler is to spend an extra ¤3.8 billion (£2.5 billion) on sourcing from low-cost countries. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • 'iGeneration' will change IT buyingThere will be a "sea change" in the way technology is bought and sold in the next five years, according to IT research firm Ovum Summit. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • John Lewis' green bidRetail group John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is to draw all its energy from renewable sources by October this year. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Enter now for CIPS SM AwardsFirms can enter the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2007 from today. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Diageo cures 'audit fatigue'Some suppliers are suffering from "audit fatigue" because of the intense focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), according to David Lawrence, governance director at Diageo Global Procurement. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • TMCs are 'misunderstood'A third of UK businesses are unaware that travel management companies (TMCs) receive incentives from the companies they recommend to clients. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Calculate your carbonBuyers can now use online tools to compare the carbon emissions for various forms of travel. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Could sales people make a successful swap to buying?Almost nine out of 10 buyers say it is possible for sales people to make a successful career change to purchasing, according to the latest SM poll of 100 buyers. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • NZ goes green for total sustainabilityThe New Zealand government is pledging to "buy green" in a bid to make it the first country to become carbon neutral. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Hershey's faces jobs meltdownThe largest chocolate manufacturer in the US is to cut 1,500 jobs in its supply chain over the next three years, to make savings and become more flexible and efficient. 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Prescribed wisdomIn a new report the Office of Fair Trading recommends money-saving changes to the way the NHS buys branded drugs. Paul Snell examines the reactions 01/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Brazil ruled out as low-cost sourcing locationBrazil is only a "bit-part player" in the low-cost country sourcing arena, according to HSBC's senior economist. 02/03/2007 00:00:01
  • New orders boost UK constructionRobust growth of new orders led to an increase in construction activity last month, according to the CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index. 02/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils asked to review energy strategiesLondon local authorities should review their energy procurement strategies, according to the Regional Centres of Excellence. 05/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Service sector grows for forty-seventh monthsThe UK services sector continued its growth trend in February, but at a slower rate than over the last quarter. 05/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Smarter food buying could save £220 million a yearNew food procurement recommendations could save the public sector £220 million each year by 2011. 07/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Government seeks "sustainable procurement champion"The government is to nominate a permanent secretary "champion" to help strengthen its commitment to sustainable procurement. 07/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Xchanging buys out BAE procurementOutsourcing firm Xchanging has bought out BAE Systems from their procurement joint venture in a deal worth £57 million. 09/03/2007 00:00:00
  • Firms must encourage supplier innovationAre cost reduction and supply chain management relevant to the future of global sourcing? Not according to some of the delegates at a pan-European hospitality conference held last week. 09/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Postal deal saves public sector £65.5mThe public sector has saved £65.5 million in the past year through a postal deal with Royal Mail. 09/03/2007 00:00:01
  • PFI deals remain over-budget and slowThe cost and speed of PFI tenders still need to be improved, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). 12/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Scottish public sector must continue to improveThe author of the Scottish public sector procurement review has urged the country's procurement professionals to overhaul public spending. 12/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Tories call for open-source savingsA Conservative government would reform public sector IT buying, according to the shadow chancellor. 14/03/2007 00:00:00
  • Buyers and suppliers 'should shape chemicals laws'Chemicals buyers are to be consulted on EU legislation, which the UK government has warned will have "far-reaching implications" for the sector. All businesses that buy, supply or use chemicals are to be invited to present their views. 14/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Sustainable response dismays buyersAfter months of delay, the government has finally responded to the recommendations of the Sustainable Procurement Task Force. 15/03/2007 00:00:00
  • Canada ombudsman to check public spendThe Canadian government is to appoint a procurement ombudsman to monitor and improve public purchasing. 15/03/2007 00:00:00
  • Olympic bid scorecard launchedA scorecard will be used to judge bids for London 2012 Games contracts, with companies aware of the commercial and technical themes on which they will be evaluated. A scorecard will be used to judge bids for London 2012 Games contracts, with companies aware of the commercial and technical themes on which they will be evaluated. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Buying plans mustBuyers have been urged to remember their business's overall strategy when trying to transform their procurement. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC: savings may be incorrectThe government has accepted that almost three-quarters of its claimed £13.3 billion efficiency savings are subject to "measurement issues" or "may be substantially incorrect". 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Cut CO2 say suppliersSuppliers appear more interested than heads of procurement in reducing carbon usage in the supply chain. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Milk buying power turns sourThe president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has criticised the buying power supermarkets wield over his members. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Royal Mail 'can't control its costs'Royal Mail has refused to comment on claims by the postal regulator that it was "using an attack" on the regulatory structure as "a smokescreen for its own lack of progress" in tackling high labour costs. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers: our time is nowMost buyers believe now is the best ever time to be working in procurement, according to the latest SM poll of 100 procurement professionals. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Public consultant feesExternal consultants working in the public sector can earn between £100 and £200 more a day than those in the private sector, according to new research. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Home Office reviews spendThe new Home Office buying chief is reviewing its £2.5 billion-a-year spend as part of his plan to improve the department's procurement strategy. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • DH accused of 'not trying' on Dr Foster joint venture costsMPs have attacked the Department of Health (DH) for entering a joint venture without a competitive tender process, and its possible £4 million overspend. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Hilfiger sells sourcing teamFashion design house Tommy Hilfiger has sold its global sourcing department to the Hong Kong based sourcing firm Li & Fung (L&F) for $247 million (£128 million). 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Emission impossible?Businesses are finding the issue of carbon neutrality increasingly difficult to ignore. Antony Barton looks at how it is moving up the procurement agenda 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Walsh urges buyers to embrace globalisationBuyers must take risks and embrace globalisation to stay competitive, CIPS president Gerry Walsh told the audience at the institute's sixty-eighth annual dinner in London last night. 15/03/2007 00:00:01
  • More improvement needed on road costingThe Department for Transport and the Highways Agency (HA) need to tighten their procedures when estimating the cost of building roads in England, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). 16/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Tesco's carbon labels to shake up supply chainSupermarket chain Tesco is to introduce carbon labelling for its products in an attempt to send "shock waves" through the supply chain. 16/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Councillors urged to scrap controversial projectA local authority should scrap a £1.2 billion project because of controversy surrounding the procurement process, according to its chief executive. 19/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Council rewarded for good procurementEast Riding of Yorkshire council has won this year's procurement award at the National Awards for Local Government 2007. 19/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Training for travel suppliers benefits buyersThe Institute of Travel Management (ITM) is to introduce a training programme designed to benefit both suppliers and buyers. 21/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Auto industry promotes buyers to managementCar manufacturers General Motors (GM), Renault and Nissan are making changes to their purchasing teams, including some director-level promotions for buying chiefs. 21/03/2007 00:00:01
  • MoD contracts improve estate performanceRegional contracts have made a "positive difference" to the way the Ministry of Defence (MoD) manages its estate, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). 23/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Scottish councils combine spendingTwo councils in Scotland have joined forces to introduce a centralised purchasing unit (CPU), but each authority will use a separate e-procurement system. 23/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Postal rivals intensify their fight for customersRoyal Mail's campaign to prevent rivals winning business customers intensified last week with conflicting requests on postal prices. 26/03/2007 00:00:01
  • No purchasing background needed for CPOsOne in five chief procurement officers does not have a purchasing or supply background, a study has revealed. 26/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Firms face tax hike in ChinaA unified corporate tax rate is likely to be introduced in China next year. 27/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Supply chains should consider customer influenceBuyers have been told to look more closely at the way customer demand affects their supply chain. 27/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Construction buyers an 'obstacle' to changeBuyers in the construction industry can help to tackle the industry's "endemic problem" with waste, but first they must change their purchasing habits. 28/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement still lacks sustainability strategiesProcurement departments in many top US firms still lack sustainability strategies and processes, according to a survey. 28/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Intel to build chip plant in ChinaIntel, the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, is to build a new $2.5 billion (£1.2 billion) manufacturing plant in north-east China. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC finalises four new dealsThe OGC has finalised four new deals for the public sector. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • HMV centralises purchasingHMV Group is overhauling its buying and supply chain operations in an attempt to achieve £40 million annual savings by 2009-10. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Brown ups the pressure on buyersAnnual government efficiency savings of 3 per cent should release £26 billion a year by 2010-11 for front-line services. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Lamming: time to address specificsBuyers should have accepted that globalisation, sustainability and technology will transform the profession over the next few years, an industry expert has warned. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Punishments not useful, say buyersMost buyers still use punitive measures to improve supplier performance, a recent study has found. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Temp use up 1,400%Spending on temporary and agency staff in government departments has risen by 1,400 per cent on average since 1997, according to a report from a Conservative MP. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Read SM's blog and daily web newsVisitors to the Supply Management website can now benefit from even more content. From last Monday and in response to recent reader research, supplymanagement.com now provides more of what you asked for. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Morrisons revamps supply chainSupermarket chain Morrisons will improve its distribution and supply chain as part of a three-year £450 million investment plan. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers warned: 'enough is enough'Procurement's influence is damaging the profitability of marketing agencies, the industry has warned. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Staff protest at M&S supplierA Marks & Spencer's (M&S) supplier has denied claims of unfair dismissal, low pay and poor working conditions in one of its Moroccan factories. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers happy to work togetherMost buyers would work with another firm to get a better deal, even if it is a competitor. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • AstraZeneca ups securityDrugs supplier AstraZeneca is to introduce new technology to protect its products from counterfeiting and tampering. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Longer 'cooling off' time for federal staffThe US government is to impose a two-year "cooling off" period for contracting staff who leave to join companies pursuing government contracts. 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • A common interestWould buyers be happy to work with other buyers to secure the best deal? Can collaboration really work? Apparently so, as Paul Snell discovers 29/03/2007 00:00:01
  • Airbus introduces acting head of procurementAirbus has made Tom Williams its acting head of procurement. 30/03/2007 00:00:01
  • CPOs must boost reputation with financeChief procurement officers need to do more to convince finance directors of the value of purchasing, a report has found. 30/03/2007 00:00:01
  • EU law allows better purchasing of medical devicesHospitals should be able to purchase safer medical devices after new EU regulations forcing medical device manufacturers to label chemical ingredients in products was passed last week. 02/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Increased growth for manufacturing sectorGrowth in the manufacturing sector in March was slower than in February, according to the latest manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI). 02/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Successful planning applications boost constructionConstruction in the UK showed a sharp increase in March, according to the latest CIPS purchasing managers' index. 03/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Tesco responds to anti-competitive claimsTesco has hit out at suppliers and other retailers, which it says are trying to blame the company for their own poor performance. 03/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Most companies try partnering with suppliersOver two thirds of UK companies have tried partnering arrangements with their suppliers, with most reporting successful experiences, according to a new survey. 04/04/2007 00:00:01
  • UK services show sustained growthThe services sector continued to rise in March, although growth in the sector was only slightly higher than in February. 04/04/2007 00:00:01
  • North-west councils cut stationery billsA group of councils in the north west have cut their stationery bills by £600,000. 05/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Poor partnerships are biggest obstacle for supply chainsAlmost half of supply chain leaders say business performance is hindered by poor partnership strategies in distribution and supply. 05/04/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS trust wins sustainable procurement awardNorth West Wales NHS trust has won the sustainable procurement award in the Local Government Chronicle and Health Service Journal Sustainable Communities Awards 2007. 10/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Union praises Tesco milk dealThe National Farmers' Union (NFU) has urged retailers to increase the prices supermarkets pay dairy farmers. 10/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Waitrose supply chain director joins boardThe John Lewis Partnership has appointed Mark Williamson to the management board for supermarket chain Waitrose, and to the post of supply chain director. 11/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Evidence of PFI benefits slammed by academicsEvidence that PFI projects are more efficient than conventional procurement is "highly misleading", according to an academic report. 11/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Vodafone spend in China €1bn by 2010Telecoms giant Vodafone will up its spend on Chinese components from €200 million (£135 million) to at least €1 billion (£676 million) over the next three years. 12/04/2007 00:00:00
  • News focus: No experience necessary?Purchasers are divided over whether heads of procurement need to have worked in the function to lead it effectively. Antony Barton reports 12/04/2007 00:00:00
  • Boost for easier EU tradingPurchases between EU states will be simplified and more economical after finance ministers last month approved the final draft of the Payment Services Directive (PSD). 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Jessops lacks funds for stockPhotographic chain Jessops has warned of a lack of cash to order stock, just months after it suffered a supply shortage. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • New chief sets toneThe new acting head of the OGC has vowed to impose his own brand of leadership and is "ambitious to up the pace of change". 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • India tops destination listIndia is still the best location for offshoring services, according to a new report. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • SM blog is now open for businessEver wanted to have your say about the profession? Do you often think about responding to something in Supply Management but you didn't have the time or something else cropped up? 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Builder seeks better buyingAn improved procurement function will be one of the major benefits of the merger between construction companies Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Get more for less' in closer supplier linksConstruction firms need to work more closely with their suppliers in order to get "more for less". 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Focus on supply chain to retain edgeThe performance of the supply chain could soon determine companies' ability to compete with one another, according to a leading academic in the sector. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Renewable energy shortfallDemand for "green" energy from UK firms is likely to far outweigh supply, according to a study. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasing history optional for bossesMany buyers think it is not essential for heads of department to have purchasing experience, according to the latest SM poll. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils aim to save £25mAberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council have officially approved their central procurement unit (CPU), but will use separate e-procurement systems. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • UN examines vendor relationsThe United Nations is investigating further cases of "inappropriate relationships" between buyers and suppliers. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Supermarkets must wait longer for inquiry findingsThe Competition Commission has announced its supermarket investigation will take longer to complete than expected. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Apple ranked worst in environmental leagueElectronics firm Apple has come bottom of a Greenpeace poll ranking electronics manufacturers on their environmental impact. 12/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Drop in number of cheap imports bansThe number of bans on cheap foreign imports is likely to remain below the record levels seen between 1999 and 2001. 13/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Fear of higher costs a reason for drugs probeThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) says a fear of increased drug costs is one of the reasons for its probe into medicine distribution, launched last week. 13/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Group purchasing director leaves Carphone WarehouseThe Carphone Warehouse's group purchasing director, Matthew Smith, is to stand down after nine years with the company. 16/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers fear energy price increasesEnergy bills will continue to rise in the next few years despite recent price falls, according to procurement professionals. 16/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Health department must save IT programmeThe Department of Health must take "urgent remedial action" to save the NHS IT programme and protect the interests of patients and taxpayers, according to a parliamentary select committee. 17/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Tesco success due to better purchasingRetailer Tesco says better purchasing helped it achieve profits of over £2.5 billion last year. 17/04/2007 00:00:01
  • NASA fails to review 'flawed' procurementThe US Senate is demanding to know why NASA has failed to follow up on promises to review its procurement process. 18/04/2007 00:00:01
  • MoD employee jailed for accepting bribesA Ministry of Defence employee at the Defence Logistics Organisation has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment on nine counts of corruption. 18/04/2007 00:00:01
  • EC fines brewers over ?273 million for beer cartelThe European Commission has fined Dutch brewers Heineken, Grolsch and Bavaria a total of over ?273 million (£186 million) for running a beer cartel in The Netherlands. 19/04/2007 00:00:01
  • RFID not a priority for supply chain execsThe importance of using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to improve supply chain performance is less popular than once believed. 19/04/2007 00:00:01
  • AstraZeneca overhauls its drugs distributionAstraZeneca has appointed AAH Pharmaceuticals and Unichem to deliver its medicines directly to pharmacies and hospital patients in the UK. 20/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Confused policy hampers sustainable buildingsA lack of responsibility for sustainable procurement among government departments is causing the public sector to miss targets on the sustainability of its buildings. 20/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Government spends £1 billion on redundancy packagesThe government has spent nearly £1 billion on exit packages for civil servants since 1997, according to figures released last week. 23/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Asian SMEs struggle to forecast demandForecasting demand is the biggest supply chain problem facing Asian SMEs, according to research. 23/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Firebuy appoints Brewer as CEOFirebuy, the national purchasing organisation for the fire service, has appointed Terry Brewer as its chief executive. 24/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Print suppliers combine to create £1.73bn companyOne of the world's largest privately owned print suppliers, Flint Group, is to acquire Day International, a manufacturer and supplier of printing materials. 24/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Commission cracks egg mergerThe Competition Commission has demanded the break-up of a merged egg supplier to keep the market competitive. 25/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Politicians vote for easier EU tradingMEPs yesterday adopted a legal framework designed to make cashless payments between EU states simpler and cheaper. 25/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Council buyers' future unsure?The increased use of shared services and outsourcing in local government may mean some buyers lose their jobs. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • No to third party bill consolidationAlmost half of buyers think third-party invoice consolidation is a bad thing for procurement. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Nortel ups buyer numbers in ChinaCanadian telecoms company Nortel is to quadruple the number of procurement staff it employs in China. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Creaming off the profits?As supermarkets rake in billions, there are calls for changes to the law to protect suppliers from being unfairly squeezed. Paul Snell reports 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Awareness of EU law essential, firms warnedCompanies are flouting European environmental legislation because they are unaware of it. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC announces next two procurement reviewsThe OGC has today revealed the next two government departments to have an audit of their procurement capability. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Probe into retailers' powerMeasures designed to cut supermarkets' buying power last week received a mixed response from business groups representing buyers and suppliers. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Citigroup aims to double savingsCitigroup is to centralise all procurement by 2009. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Treasury defends PFI research from criticsThe Treasury has maintained its evidence that the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is superior to conventional procurement is not flawed. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Pfizer: changes will not up pricesDrugs company Pfizer insists buyers will not suffer price increases as a result of its distribution changes. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • FE savings still possibleFurther education colleges could still achieve £75 million savings by March next year, despite poor procurement infrastructure. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Disney toughens supply chainIncreased security in Walt Disney's supply chain has enabled the firm to reduce movie piracy. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • CIPS SM Awards entry closes soonTime is running out for those who want to enter this year's CIPS/Supply Management Awards. In fact, 27 April is the deadline. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Post-merger software savings 'simple'IT directors are failing to make the most of savings opportunities afforded by mergers and acquisitions, despite claims that they are easy to achieve. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Ofwat: water competition poorAttempts to stimulate competition in the water industry have been unsuccessful, according to the water regulator Ofwat. 26/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Firms get guidance to explain competitive dialogueA guide to help local authorities understand the competitive dialogue process, introduced last year to improve procurement in complex projects, was launched this week. 27/04/2007 00:00:00
  • Skanska bid to improve sustainable buyingConstruction services group Skanska is implementing plans to improve its sustainable procurement credentials. 27/04/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Poor systems and inadequate IT' restrict OGCThe OGC should be "raised in the pecking order", so it can use its knowledge of the private sector more easily to achieve savings in the public sector. 30/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Xchanging experiences share growthShares in business process outsourcing firm Xchanging have risen 10 per cent since the company floated on the stock market. 30/04/2007 00:00:01
  • Most in favour of global tradeThe majority of the public have a positive perception of globalisation, according to a new report. 01/05/2007 00:00:01
  • UK manufacturing output rises sharplyManufacturing output increased last month at the fastest rate since September 2006. 01/05/2007 00:00:01
  • New houses boost constructionDemand for new houses boosted activity in the construction sector in April to its highest level in 41 months. 02/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Government courts small businessesSmall businesses should be able to gain greater access to public sector contracts after the launch of two government initiatives. 02/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Services sector growth continuesNew business and increased market share led to continued growth of activity in the services sector last month. 03/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Supplier problems disrupt electionsMany people will be left without a vote in today's elections throughout the UK, as printing suppliers failed to meet their deadlines for postal ballots. 03/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Focus on the how, not how much, buyers urgedBuyers should be more focused on implementing deals, rather than negotiating them in the "new era" of purchasing and supply. 04/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers account for nine per cent of corporate fraudProcurement employees are responsible for nine per cent of company fraud cases, according to a new survey. 04/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Ariba rated best for e-procurementAriba has been named top e-procurement provider by Forrester Research. 08/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Firms should get innovation from suppliers"Everybody will be talking about this in five years," said Steve Rogers, a consultant from the Cincinnati Consulting Consortium. The "this" in question is capturing innovation from suppliers. 08/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Force Majeure clause poses threat to buyersForce Majeure (FM) clauses are rarely understood, frequently unread and liable to abuse, misinterpretation and ambiguity, which can pose a real threat to buyers. 09/05/2007 00:00:00
  • Red meat supply chains must improveBetter supply chains could save the British red meat industry £500 million a year. 09/05/2007 00:00:01
  • A different kettle of fishWhat happens when your supplier is swallowed up by another company? Antony Barton examines the potential effects on procurement 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Bulgaria urged to stem corruptionAn independent think tank is urging the Bulgarian government to introduce a code of conduct for its buyers, as corruption within public procurement remains widespread. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • County councils to enter new shared services agreementNorthamptonshire and Cambridge-shire County Councils plan to work together on a shared services project covering finance, HR and procurement, after withdrawing from another project to avoid breaking EU rules. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Outsourcing: look to futureBuyers of outsourcing are placing too much focus on the deal and not enough on its long-term effectiveness, causing the sector to experience a "mid-life crisis". 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Proving worth is top CPO priorityEight out of 10 CPOs say their main challenges are demonstrating the impact of procurement on the firm's results and increasing awareness with top management. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Mixed views over mergersBuyers are divided on how mergers and acquisitions (M&As) between suppliers affect their profession. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Vodafone streamlines global buying teamsEXCLUSIVE 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Outsourcing? Head to EuropeCentral and eastern Europe is "hard to beat" as an outsourcing location, new research has found. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Cadbury charges 'lesson to all'The charges Cadbury faces over its salmonella outbreak serve as a reminder that too much is taken for granted in supply chains, according to an expert. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Capability reviews to get private inputThe OGC is seeking the help of the private sector to assist with its procurement capability reviews. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • DH appointment beset by mysteryConfusion surrounds the appointment of a new commercial director at the Department of Health (DH), as it refuses to confirm whether the position has been filled. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • BT dominates public sector IT salesBT continues to lead IT sales to the UK public sector, selling £500 million more than its closest rival. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils advised how to cut £1bn energy billLocal authorities should seek expert advice on energy buying and collaborate to cut their £1 billion annual bill, according to new guidance from the Regional Centres of Excellence (RCE). 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Sainsbury's: bags are ethicalSainsbury's has been forced to defend itself against claims of unethical sourcing, after a UK campaign group attacked it for selling a hugely popular designer bag made in China. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • More council savings?Council procurement leaders will have difficulty meeting cashable savings of 3 per cent per annum, a target expected in the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) for 2007. 10/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Check ethics of British suppliers, buyers told"Don't take your eyes off the UK" was the warning to buyers issued by M&S purchasing boss Bob Tragheim this week. 11/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Water consultation beginsA consultation is under way to improve competition for water customers. 11/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils overlook benefits of competition and contestabilityLocal authorities are failing to use competition to achieve value for money, according to the latest research by the Audit Commission. 14/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Government puts brake on consultancy billsWhitehall spending on consultants rose by 5 per cent to £1.6 billion in 2006, according to new figures from the Management Consultancies Association (MCA). 14/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers told to improve their knowledgeOne in five purchasers do not know the proportion of the organisation's expenditure they control, according to a straw poll. 15/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Waitrose issues 'responsible' guide to suppliersHigh-street retailer Waitrose has issued 300 of its suppliers with advice on how to improve labour standards. 15/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Minister urges South Africa to become more competitiveSouth Africa must develop a more competitive supply base if it is to develop economically, according to a government minister. 16/05/2007 00:00:01
  • IBA buys NHS software supplier for £140mAustralian health information company IBA Health has snapped up iSoft, the troubled software company. 16/05/2007 00:00:01
  • OFT ends BA discount investigationThe Office of Fair Trading has ended an investigation into British Airways' discounts for corporate travellers. 17/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers must look for innovation in unlikely placesBuyers need to look beyond traditional supplier relationships if they are to find true innovation. 17/05/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS Trust buys computer parts off eBayMany computer systems in the NHS are so out of date that some NHS trusts have had to buy parts for them from eBay. 18/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Ethical bag claims dubbed 'disingenuous'A campaign group maintains its claims that Sainsbury's designer bags are "unethical", but will not take the matter further. 18/05/2007 00:00:01
  • BA sets aside £350m for finesBritish Airways has set aside £350 million to pay any fines it may receive as a result of an investigation into a price cartel. 21/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement must use ideas to improve other functionsBuyers must look beyond their organisation for fresh ideas and consider how they can help the company as a whole, rather than just procurement. 21/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Marks and Spencer boosts spend on supply chainMarks and Spencer has increased its spend on supply chain and technology by almost 200 per cent over the past year. 22/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Sainsbury's praises supply chain savingsSupermarket Sainsbury's is on track to reach its cost savings target thanks to improvements in its supply chain. 22/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers urged to seek innnovation in unlikely placesBuyers need to look beyond traditional supplier relationships if they are to find true innovation. 22/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Public believes Olympics will run over budgetAlmost two thirds of the British public say the Olympic site will exceed the current budget, with over half blaming poor project management. 23/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers eager for card savingsImproved cost savings continues to be the primary reason for the use of purchasing cards, according to a study. 23/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Burges Salmon recruits buyerOne of the UK's top 50 law firms has recruited its first procurement manager. 24/05/2007 00:00:00
  • Banana firm examines worker treatment claimsA major banana supplier is today beginning an investigation into the treatment of its UK-based workers. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • CFOs let down by poor procurement informationA third of CFOs say their procurement functions are poor at producing timely and accurate information from their activities. Over half rank their performance as merely adequate in this area. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • City Link saves with takeoverOne of the UK's biggest express delivery companies is forecasting huge procurement savings following a recent takeover and the introduction of a new buying team. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Virgin promotes ethical sourcingVirgin Group is to focus on human rights and labour standards in its supply chains as it tries to guarantee ethical sourcing. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Home Office overhaulHome Office procurement is overstaffed with buyers focusing on the wrong areas. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Waitrose issues ethical guideHigh-street retailer Waitrose has issued 300 of its suppliers with advice on how to improve labour standards. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Babcock buys Navy submarine baseEngineering services company Babcock has bought the Devonport submarine complex in Devon in a £350 million deal that will make it the Royal Navy's largest supplier of support services. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS may reimburse unsuccessful biddersAn NHS trust is "seriously considering" compensating unsuccessful bidders for a £374 million PFI hospital deal, which went out to tender this month. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils should help third sectorLocal authorities should give third-sector agencies better advice and more grants to enable them to make successful contract bids. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC reviews not exempt from FOI ActThe outcome of the OGC's Gateway reviews should be made public and not be exempt from the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the Information Tribunal ruled earlier this month. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • BuyographyFollowing the launch of our online blog, we pick the best recent comments. Visit <a href="http://www.supplymanagement.com/blog">www.supplymanagement.com/blog</a> to join the debates. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Fraud not an increasing issueHalf of buyers think fraud in procurement is not a growing problem, the latest SM poll has found. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils respond to SPTFCouncil purchasers have applauded efforts by local authorities to respond to the government's Sustainable Procurement Action Plan. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Bright lights, big conferenceThe ISM annual get-together was held in Las Vegas this month. Steve Bagshaw reveals the issues that were on the cards for procurement Stateside. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Trinidad told to speed up reformAn independent watchdog is calling for the government of Trinidad and Tobago to speed up its reform of public procurement. 24/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Doctors attack reliance on the private sectorPrivate sector provision should only be commissioned where there is no NHS capacity to provide the service, according to the British Medical Association. 25/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Business Post doubles its profitsProfits at the UK division of mail firm Business Post have doubled in the last year. 25/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Indicators issued for public sector procurementFive of the UK's audit bodies have released guidance for public sector managers to improve the value for money of their corporate services. 29/05/2007 00:00:01
  • ODA to select single cement supplierCement for the construction of Olympic venues will be provided by a single supplier. 29/05/2007 00:00:01
  • New care price tool could save councils £3 millionCouncils in southwest England will be able to make significant savings if they help social workers to understand the price of care. 30/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Top CPOs unlikely to be promotedThe typical CPO in a top American corporation is unlikely to be promoted further before retirement, according to new research. 30/05/2007 00:00:01
  • EC gives go-ahead to Welsh IT procurementThe Welsh Assembly is free to proceed with its public sector IT programme after receiving the green light from the European Commission (EC). 31/05/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC will appeal FOI decisionsThe OGC has launched an appeal against the decision of the information tribunal to make the outcomes of Gateway reviews public. 31/05/2007 00:00:01
  • Industry pressured to stop "blood diamonds"Human rights groups are calling on the diamond industry to put pressure on its suppliers to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. 01/06/2007 00:00:01
  • UK manufacturing continues to growThe manufacturing sector maintained its strong start to 2007, according to the latest manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI). 01/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Construction growth slowsGrowth in the construction sector maintained its strength despite slowing last month, according to the latest CIPS/NTC Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). 04/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Airbus shows commitment to its suppliersAirbus has signed a commitment charter with its suppliers, pledging stronger links with its supply base and increased long-term cooperation. 04/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Government IT must 'learn from experience'The UK government must co-ordinate its IT projects if it is to bring cost savings, according to a parliamentary select committee. 05/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Service sector continues its expansionThe service sector continued to grow at a steady rate, according to the latest CIPS/NTC Purchasing Manager's Index. 05/06/2007 00:00:01
  • PM names new OGC chief executiveThe government today named Nigel Smith as the new chief executive of the OGC. 06/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers must benchmark outsourcing providersPurchasers are being urged to ensure they have baselines in place ahead of outsourcing deals to measure the success of providers. 06/06/2007 00:00:01
  • The foundation of local growthHow are purchasers in South Africa tackling the problems caused by the absence of a strong supply base and a lack of training? Paul Snell reports 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Turbulent economy should spur buyersBuyers have been told that a difficult economy is no excuse for poor professional performance. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Female firms lose out in USUS senator John Kerry has hit out at what he perceives as a lack of action in helping small firms owned by women win government contracts. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Lyons emphasises need for collaborationOne of the leading figures in public sector procurement has stressed the need for collaboration between central and local government. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Nature group helps Epson with 'green' purchasingThe World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Japan has helped Epson produce an ethical paper purchasing policy. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers upgrade at First GroupTransport giant First Group has made procurement a central part of its business, thanks to a new "customer-focused" strategy. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Nike reveals CSR targets for 2011Sports equipment manufacturer Nike has unveiled a range of corporate social responsibility goals. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Lloyds TSB set to saveThe overhaul of procurement at Lloyds TSB is to net multi-million pound savings. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Vendors criticise store codeSuppliers have described a code of practice drawn up to regulate the buying power of supermarkets as ineffective. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Is multisourcing the new outsourcing?Buyers should consider multisourcing if they are outsourcing a variety of functions, rather than using a single provider. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Steelcase UK ups turnover by 10%Office supplier Steelcase UK says a series of contract wins over the past 12 months provided its best period of growth in years. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • CPOs lack 'strategic' fit to sway board policyCPOs have less impact on board policy than a finance or production director who represents procurement, new research suggests. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Beach buyers take the reinsBlackpool Pleasure Beach (BPB) is to expand its buying team to make purchasing more strategic. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Public sector 'difficult'- 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Firms' global claims disputedAlmost half (48 per cent) of supply chain executives claim their companies are global, yet their procurement activity suggests otherwise. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Good people more effective than processes, say SM 100The human element involved in buying is still more valuable to effective procurement than having good systems. 07/06/2007 00:00:01
  • M&S to boost 'green' help for suppliersMarks & Spencer is making further moves to reduce its carbon footprint by working with suppliers to lesson their impact. 08/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Sourcing changes help Halfords' profitsRetailer Halfords has increased its revenue by more than 8 per cent with the help of improvements to its supply chain. 08/06/2007 00:00:01
  • UN buyer convicted for bribery and fraudA former UN purchaser charged with bribery and procurement fraud has been found guilty by a US court. 08/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Housing sector to save 'millions'A buying organisation for the social housing sector has unveiled supply discounts and a purchasing card scheme that it claims will save millions. 11/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Council suspends its purchasing managerThe Isle of Wight Council has suspended seven of its staff, including its purchasing manager, pending an investigation into a contract to buy consultancy services. 11/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Brown urged to improve PFI procurementThe CBI has urged Gordon Brown to become an "active champion" of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) because of the savings and efficiencies generated by the scheme. 12/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Government criticised for paying bidders' costsGovernment departments will need to show there is no other way to achieve cost-effective competition if they are to pay substantial bidders' costs, according to the chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts. 12/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Ikea to buy 'green' for staffIkea has unveiled two initiatives to help improve its staff's sustainability. 13/06/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC head says civil servants are 'evolving'The head of the OGC says the public sector is going through an "evolutionary change" in procurement. 13/06/2007 00:00:01
  • OGCbs criticises departments' spending habitsLarge government departments will improve their buying habits because of budget cuts, rather than voluntarily, according to the head of OGCbuying.solutions (OGCbs). 14/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Sustainable procurement 'in need of leadership'Public sector buyers need more leadership to implement sustainable procurement, according to an industry expert. 14/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Trower elected ECPS chairmanThe European Council of Purchasing and Supply this month elected Keith Trower as its new chairman. 14/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Top companies 'share more with suppliers'High-performing companies are most likely to share information and data with their suppliers, according to a new survey. 15/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Web tool to boost sustainability knowledgeAn enhanced web tool to help organisations gauge the sustainability of their supply chains is now online 15/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers look to blogs for adviceTraditional forms of advertising are having less of an impact on buyers of HR services. 18/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Government strikes 'green' electricity dealA new deal, said to be worth around £1 billion over the next four years, will give the public sector access to "green" electricity for no extra cost. 18/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Public sector rapped on consultant spendThe OGC has "no idea" if government spend on consultants justifies the cost, according to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 19/06/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS Pasa launches lease frameworkNHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (Pasa) has launched the first framework agreement for NHS bodies to secure operating leases. 19/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Smoking ban suppliers "too late"Many suppliers keen to win business in advance of the smoking ban are too late, according to the buyer for one pub chain. 20/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Get organised to help vegetable suppliers, buyers toldRetail buyers must improve projections and planning to assist vegetable suppliers in developing countries. 20/06/2007 00:00:01
  • M&As: Your time to shinePremier Conference coverage 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Review outsourcingPremier Conference coverage 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Gear up for globalisationOnly a third of buyers have a clear strategy for purchasing from aborad. So why aren't buyers taking international action? Paul Snell reports 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • UN: reforms needed to deal wih fraudUnited Nations procurement needs a "major overhaul", according to one of the organisation's top executives. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Sustainability focus a 'surprise'Public sector organisations focus more on employee health and safety and buying from small or local companies than on "green" sourcing. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Royal Mail loses Amazon businessInternet retailer Amazon has decided to cease its second-class mail contract with Royal Mail. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement off board at DaimlerChryslerProcurement is set to leave the management board at car group DaimlerChrysler AG (DC). 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Fearne: consider the bigger picturePremier Conference coverage 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers back logo approachIt may be unpopular but the method for its procurement was sound, according to design experts who have hit back at criticism of the procedure used to select the controversial London 2012 logo. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Nokia top in supply chain rankingNokia has the best supply chain in the world, according to a study by AMR Research. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Nigel Smith appointed head of OGCNigel Smith has been appointed as the OGC's new chief executive. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • OGCbs ups interpersonal skillsOGCbuying.solutions (OGCbs) is to transform the way it works with customers and suppliers. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Women 'not more adept at soft skills'- 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Abbey to 're-engage' clientsProcurement at Abbey must improve its internal engagement, according to the bank's purchasing chief. 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Graduates key to innovationPremier Conference coverage 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Public sector goes globalPremier Conference coverage 21/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Improvement needed to construction payment termsSuppliers to the construction industry are likely to benefit from legislative proposals for payment and contract terms. 22/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement card savings increaseSavings made by using the government procurement card have risen by more than £27 million over the past year, according to recent findings. 22/06/2007 00:00:01
  • UK is Europe's most competitive energy marketThe UK's gas and electricity markets are the most competitive in Europe, according to new research. 25/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Offshoring saves banks billionsOffshoring saves the UK financial services industry £1.5 billion a year, according to a new report. 25/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Barclays assesses supplier CSRBarclays bank has examined £1.5 billion of its spend using a new corporate social responsibility questionnaire. 26/06/2007 00:00:01
  • OGCbuying.solutions must take 'centre stage'OGCbuying.solutions must become a "fit for purpose" organisation with better staff skills and incentives to drive performance across its activities, according to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 26/06/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Standstill' period to be harmonised in EuropeThe European Parliament has agreed to change public procurement rules to boost the rights of rejected bidders across Europe. 27/06/2007 00:00:00
  • Brown urged to reform ethical trade profileGordon Brown is being called on to improve the public sector's record on ethical sourcing. 27/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils must engage more with third sectorLocal authorities must change their procurement practices to help voluntary and community organisations. 28/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Olympic supplier guide publishedThe Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has launched a guide to help businesses win contracts for the 2012 games. 28/06/2007 00:00:01
  • MPs criticise BBC outsourcing dealThe BBC's approach to its technology outsourcing deal was "distinctly second rate", according to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 29/06/2007 00:00:01
  • Scottish Parliament to help SMEs win workGuidelines published this week aim to make it easier for small businesses to bid for Scottish Parliament contracts. 29/06/2007 00:00:01
  • NAO gives consultant advice to public sector buyersThe National Audit Office (NAO) has launched a toolkit to help public sector buyers improve their use of consultants. 02/07/2007 00:00:01
  • UK manufacturing shows sustained expansionStrong activity in UK manufacturing last month marked a robust performance in the sector for the first half of 2007. 02/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers must improve work with marketingProcurement and marketing are still failing to work together to stretch their budgets. 03/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Construction sector expands sharplyGrowth in the construction sector was at its fastest for more than three-and-a-half years in June. 03/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Offshore call centre savings unsustainableMaking savings by offshoring call centre work is becoming increasingly difficult for financial services firms. 04/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Service sector activity rises sharplyBusiness activity in the UK service sector increased sharply last month, due mainly to strong growth of new business. 04/07/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS Supply Chain saves £6.3mNHS Supply Chain has announced a £6.3 million saving, made within the first five months of its procurement contract with the NHS. 05/07/2007 00:00:00
  • On the short listThe shortlist for the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2007 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Ethics do not affect performanceThere is "no correlation" between a company's financial performance and their ethical, social and governance (ESG) standards, a report has found. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Kingfisher to introduce group-wide factory assessmentsEurope's largest DIY group plans to introduce a common factory assessment process across its companies within the next financial year. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Premier ups buyer numbersThe UK's largest food producer is to increase the numbers in its procurement function by 25 per cent. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Pay up by 11 per cent in 12 monthsSenior buyers now earn more than their peers in other professions. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Mixed views on consultant usePublic sector buyers now have better knowledge about what they want from consultants, but remain poor at measuring their value, according to two reports. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • WFP to evaluate purchasing impact- 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Look beyond fast savingsQuick savings expectations can lead to poor purchasing contracts, experts claim. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Assess the marketBenchmarking your firm against other companies' approaches to offshoring often proves inconclusive and delays global sourcing, according to experts. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Univar CO2 policy could go globalAn environmental strategy developed by the UK buying team at chemical firm Univar could be applied internationally. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers back eBay buyingMost purchasers think eBay and similar websites are a viable way to buy goods. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • The wait is over...have you made it?Today sees the unveiling of the short list for this year's CIPS Supply Management Awards. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Jamaican public sector 'flouts rules'Too many public sector organisations in Jamaica ignored government procurement rules last year, according to the country's contractor-general. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Help innovation, NZ buyers urgedPublic sector buyers in New Zealand have been urged to consider the "not-so-safe option" in a bid to promote innovation within the country. 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers get more to spendPurchasers are better paid than ever, the gender pay gap is closing and salaries are outstripping those in sales. But can this continue? Paul Snell reports 05/07/2007 00:00:01
  • West Midlands auto suppliers to get assistanceAn organisation has been created to improve the performance of automotive suppliers based in the West Midlands. 06/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers get easy access to pricesCIPS has launched a website to give buyers better access to price information. 06/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Bidder's error causes e-auction disarrayAn e-auction for contracts to supply fresh produce was scrapped after an unnamed vendor misunderstood the guidelines and underbid rivals on every contract. 09/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Wheat costs affect Premier Foods' profitPremier Foods is to increase the price of bread to compensate for rising wheat costs. 09/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Job losses not due to offshoringThe extent of UK jobs moved to low-cost country locations may have been exaggerated, according to a new report. 10/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Olympic contractors need incentives to meet deadlineSuitable incentives must be offered to London 2012 contractors to ensure the Olympic Games open on time, according to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 10/07/2007 00:00:01
  • High demand prompts price-rigging, says constructionMany of the shiny suits around the construction sector are praising the progress the industry has made in recent years, in pursuit of the recommendations made by Sir John Egan's report "Rethinking Construction". Yet this episode of File on 4 is likely to bring them back to the harsh reality of the corporate machines driving contractors in the UK. 11/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers must understand value of public transportTravel buyers have yet to recognise the environmental merits of public transport. 11/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Sainsbury's trials water transportSupermarket Sainsbury's is floating the idea of transporting its deliveries from suppliers by river. 12/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Chemicals supply could be damagedThe formation of a chemical sector joint venture has been approved, despite fears it may damage competition. 12/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Europe sees growing demand for outsourcingDemand for outsourcing rose sharply in Europe during the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2006. 13/07/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS flexes new anti-fraud muscleThe NHS is to investigate how best to gain information from suppliers and contractors when investigating fraud. 13/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buying alliance aims for 10 per cent road cost cutRoad building and maintenance in the East Midlands should become cheaper and "more efficient" through the establishment of a new body. 16/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Motorola procurement chiefs promotedTelecoms firm Motorola has turned to its supply chain to improve the performance of its mobile phone business. 16/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Retailers defend Bangladesh sourcingThree British retailers have defended their sourcing operations in Bangladesh after a newspaper accused their suppliers of worker mistreatment. 17/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Little interest in water competitionOfwat has received only 10 responses to its proposal to improve competition between water suppliers. 17/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Better supplier management could mean big council savingsNorth-west councils could save over £560 million by 2011 if they aggregate supplier spend. 18/07/2007 00:00:01
  • EU orders green procurementNew European regulations will force public sector purchasers to buy "green". 18/07/2007 00:00:01
  • New WEEE laws may up pricesBuyers may face price rises because of new rules on the disposal of electrical and electronic products. 19/07/2007 00:00:00
  • Two more buyers suspended at UNThe United Nations has "charged" two more procurement officers in its ongoing corruption investigations. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Excellence centres produce efficiency guideEighty per cent of the £42 billion councils spend on external contracts goes to just 8 per cent of suppliers. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Citigroup seeks to up profileUS bank Citigroup is to overhaul its buying operations in an attempt to increase its profile and influence. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Tesco: No to fair working promiseTesco shareholders have voted against guaranteed decent working conditions and standards for its suppliers' employees. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Eagle replaces HealeyAngela Eagle, the Labour MP for Wallasey on Merseyside, is to take over as the government's new procurement minister. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • DWP buyers have welfare reform roleBuyers may need to play a greater role in encouraging people back to work, if proposed reforms to the welfare system are agreed. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • China spend plan for AstraZenecaAstraZeneca expects to process $100 million (£50 million) of spend through its sourcing centre in China by 2010. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Kingfisher reviews its assessment of vendorsEurope's largest DIY group is to improve its assessments of suppliers' factories and has introduced targets for sustainable timber sourcing. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • PFI deals put bidders offA group of MPs has criticised the government for failing to shorten tendering periods for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Low-cost strategy callManufacturers will get the maximum benefits from low-cost countries only if they have a long-term strategy. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Buying still on board at InBevProcurement will still be represented on the board at Belgian brewer InBev, despite being incorporated into a wider supply function. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Tenders, tips and Google: how buyers find suppliersBuyers are divided on how best to attract new suppliers, according to the latest SM 100 poll. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Flagging up ethical issuesBuyers are under pressure to take an active role in proving their CSR credentials, as campaigners keep ethical sourcing in the spotlight. Antony Barton reports. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • US probes $1 trillion of 'waste and fraud'More than $1 trillion (£496 billion) of US government procurement spend is affected by waste, fraud and mismanagement, according to a report published last month. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Rudd to help SMEs if electedThe leader of Australia's opposition party has pledged to help small businesses win government contracts if he becomes the next prime minister. 19/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Late payment on the increaseCompanies now take longer to settle their bills than at any time since legislation was introduced in 1998 to curb late payment. 20/07/2007 00:00:01
  • MPs criticise Information Centre dealThe Department of Health (DH) "failed in its duty" to be transparent when it selected a data company without a competitive tender, the Committee of Public Accounts has found. 20/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Price concern over 2012 gamesLondon 2012 buyers may be overcharged for goods and services because Olympic suppliers have details of budgets for the games, according to the government's spending watchdog. 23/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Cultural shift required for "eco-friendly" supply chainsEnvironmentally friendly logistics operations will become a reality only as a result of consumer pressure, according to supply chain experts. 23/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Don't forget about UK manufacturers, buyers urgedBuyers have been urged not to forget about UK manufacturers when sourcing products. 24/07/2007 00:00:01
  • More information needed to stamp out fake goodsMore political support is needed to stop the rise in fake goods entering the UK, according to a law firm. 24/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers get 'green' IT helpBuyers can assess their IT efficiency following collaboration between Computacenter and the Green Electronics Council (GEC). 25/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Sustainable procurement website launchedA website designed to develop sustainable procurement in local government has been launched by the East Midlands Centre of Excellence (EMCE). 25/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Tom Tom to buy supplierSatellite navigation systems maker Tom Tom is to buy its main map supplier Tele Atlas for ?1.8 billion (£1.2 billion). 26/07/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC launches supplier complaints teamThe OGC aims to raise procurement standards by establishing a Complaints Function (CF). 26/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Atos loses NHS contractsA health group contracted to provide diagnostic services for NHS patients in the north and south west of England has been fired for failing to meets its obligations. 27/07/2007 00:00:01
  • MoD to save 5 per cent a year for next three yearsThe Ministry of Defence (MoD) will make cuts of 5 per cent a year in administration as part of the latest Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). 27/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Jury out on welfare proposalsThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not yet committed to proposals that will give procurement a bigger role in buying welfare services. 30/07/2007 00:00:01
  • EC critical of Intel's chip market conductIntel has abused its position in the European computer chip market, according to the European Commission (EC). 30/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Debt could fuel fraud casesHigh levels of personal debt in the UK could make corporate fraud more common, according to a study. 31/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Better IT disposal could save government £70mThe government could save £70 million each year if it disposed of its IT more effectively. 31/07/2007 00:00:01
  • Manufacturing at three-year peakManufacturing activity in the UK reached a three-year high in July, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). 01/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Government urged to encourage water transportA group of MPs has urged the government to introduce a "carbon credit" scheme to boost the amount of freight transported on water. 01/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Strategic IT in demandBuyers are expanding their use of procurement technology beyond transactional purchasing. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Have we got Hislop for youSatirist Ian Hislop will host the CIPS Supply Management Awards in London in September. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • B&Q China supplier sued for 'defamation'B&Q China is to sue one of it suppliers for defamation following a contractual dispute. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Cosy' relations bad for businessCity firms should get buyers involved in their processes earlier, according to the former head of procurement at the Bank of England. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • China VAT changes to increase sourcing costsThe cost of sourcing from China is expected to rise after changes to tax regulations in the country. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Metronet: business as usualSuppliers working on the London Underground (LU) upgrade will get paid and procurement functions will continue to operate, despite its biggest maintenance firm entering administration. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • MEPs delay post reform- 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Home Office to launch awardsThe Home Office has introduced a supplier awards scheme to generate innovative ways of saving money. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Final say 'does not rest with us'Most procurement departments do not have the last word on their company's purchases. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Motorola seeks profit boostMotorola is turning to its procurement function to increase the revenues of its mobile phone business. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • From collapse to recoveryRecent floods and earthquakes have disrupted thousands of businesses worldwide. How can purchasers help minimise the damage? Helen Gilbert reports 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Irish software SMEs miss out on tendersPublic software contracts in the Republic of Ireland should be broken up to give small Irish firms a better chance of winning them, according to an industry group. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Coles takeover: buyers to benefitBetter buying and an improved supply chain are among the benefits expected from a takeover of the Australian retailer Coles. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Record fine for BA price-fixingBritish Airways (BA) will pay almost £270 million in fines for fixing the price of fuel surcharges on long-haul flight tickets. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Commercial construction activity is highest everConstruction activity reached an 87-month high in July, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Aid body battles price hikesThe World Food Programme (WFP) will have to change its purchasing strategy if food and oil costs continue to rise. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Mobile company rings changesCarphone Warehouse is looking for its second new purchasing chief within a year. 02/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Toys recalled in lead paint scareUS toy manufacturer Mattel is recalling 967,000 toys following a lead paint scare. 03/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Weakest services growth since SeptemberActivity in the service sector was at its slowest since September 2006, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). 03/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Council contract advice launchedA guide to improving council contract management has been published by the London Centre of Excellence (LCE). 06/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Inefficient buying takes up IT managers' timeIT managers are wasting time on lengthy and inefficient procurement, according to new research. 06/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Income boost at XchangingProfits at procurement outsourcing firm Xchanging increased by nearly 20 per cent in the first half of the year. 07/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Construction consortium to cut costsA newly-formed construction procurement consortium expects to achieve savings of up to 10 per cent on building deals. 07/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Procurement costs damage charities' service provisionThe delivery of public services "could be undermined" by the complex procurement and funding practices of local authorities, according to a report out today. 08/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Birmingham looks for temp labour solutionBirmingham City Council believes it can save £5 million on its temporary labour spend. 08/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Fruit farmers lose out in supply chainThe share of profits from supermarkets for UK fruit producers has declined in the past decade, a report has found. 09/08/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS was set to take over troubled IT supplierThe NHS was prepared to take control of software supplier iSoft to ensure delivery of its computer system, the government has confirmed. 09/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Nokia begins outsourcing strategyNokia is to outsource the development of its chip technology to broaden its supplier base. 10/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Welsh IT deal to save £6 million a yearAn IT procurement deal for the Welsh public sector will lead to savings of more than £6 million a year, according to the Welsh Assembly Government. 10/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Financial firms not ready for outsourcing regulationMost financial services organisations' outsourcing agreements are in danger of breaking the law. 13/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Companies lack green buying policiesNearly half of all firms do not have a policy on purchasing eco-friendly products, a survey has found. 13/08/2007 00:00:01
  • New buyers and suppliers needed in constructionStrengthening resources in the building industry is to be the chief goal of the new heads of the CIPS's Construction Procurement Group. 14/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Deadline looms for renewable energy targetsSuppliers have just over two weeks left to prove they meet "green" energy targets, or face fines. 14/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Retailers embroiled in labour scandalSupermarket supply chains face renewed scrutiny today after it was discovered workers for one sub-contractor had to "scavenge for food" to live on when their gangmaster withheld their pay for 35 days. 15/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Drug pricing structure set to be reformedThe government plans to renegotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical firms to reduce NHS spending. 15/08/2007 00:00:01
  • UK outsourcing firm in multi-million pound takeoverEuropean IT services firm Steria has bought UK technology and outsourcing company Xansa in a £472 million deal. 16/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Drug giants win contract for UK flu vaccinesThe government has today awarded advanced supply contracts for a pandemic flu vaccine. 16/08/2007 00:00:01
  • IBM and PwC settle kickbacks caseIBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have agreed to pay the US government more than $5.2 million (£2.7 million) to settle allegations over improper payments. 17/08/2007 00:00:01
  • IMI begins bribes investigationUK engineering company IMI has launched an investigation into whether its agents paid bribes to secure contracts. 17/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Travel policy compliance key to cutting spendTravel and procurement managers are focusing on policy enforcement to reduce costs. 20/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers face increasing costs for construction workTender prices for construction work are continuing to soar, particularly for large and complex projects in central London, according to new research. 20/08/2007 00:00:01
  • UK customers mistrust ethical credentialsNearly half of Britain's consumers doubt claims made by high-street fashion stores about their ethical trading, according to a new survey. 21/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Three firms on track for high-speed train dealThree bidders are in the running to produce the next generation of high-speed trains in the UK. 21/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Tender begins to supply courts with electronic suppliesThe Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has begun the procurement process for a system that will allow the electronic presentation of court evidence. 22/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Nestlé beats milk rise to boost profitsFood giant Nestlé overcame rising input costs to post an 18.4 per cent increase in net profit in the first half of 2007. 22/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Council tender fee blastedSwindon Borough Council's decision to charge suppliers for information necessary to tender for work has been described as a "slippery slope". 23/08/2007 00:00:00
  • Multi-suppliers for ID cardsThe government hopes to overcome past problems experienced by largescale IT projects by selecting not one, but several, potential ID card scheme suppliers. It was revealed in this month's OJEU notice that the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has decided to set up a framework agreement for the £2 billion venture to provide biometric support, passport replacement, ID cards and more. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Reuters team cracks Fujitsu dealThe Reuters sourcing team was pivotal to one of the company's most complex procurement projects when it signed a 10-year, £50 million per annum IT outsourcing deal with Fujitsu this month. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Sky/Amstrad deal impactSky's proposed £125 million takeover of Amstrad could damage its relationships with other suppliers, an analyst has warned. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Severn Trent fights floodsThe recent floods have boosted the profile of purchasing at water firm Severn Trent. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Suppliers urged to report bribery onlineIt is now easier for suppliers to blow the whistle on public sector buyers who demand bribes. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • More toys made in China recalledUS toy producer Mattel has recalled nearly half a million more toys after further fears about lead paint. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Gangmasters move to unregulated sectorsUnlicensed gangmasters are moving into different industries, having been forced out of the agriculture and farming sectors, says the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA). 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • easyJet secures £490m dealBuyers at easyJet have transformed its negotiation process to secure one of the airline's biggest procurement deals of the past five years. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Ofgem: stop late supplier switchesEnergy regulator Ofgem has proposed to change the way business accounts are switched between suppliers. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Flexible working grows for buyersThe working lives of purchasers are more flexible compared with a decade ago, according to 81 per cent of buyers in the latest SM 100 poll. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Limit product choice for BSFProduct selection in the £45 billion Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme should be more limited, according to a new report. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Withdrawal symptomsFollowing several recalls in the past month of products made in China, Paul Snell asks how often these problems occur and what buyers can do to ensure quality goods 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • New group highlights sustainability in ItalyTwo Italian procurement chiefs have set up a group to increase awareness of sustainable procurement in the country. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Philips in $250m outsourcing dealElectronics manufacturer Philips is to outsource part of its procurement team, but jobs in that department will not be cut. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils save with e-procurementFive Hampshire councils have automated their procurement processes to save thousands of pounds and slash transaction costs. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Charity needs your old suppliesA charity is calling on buyers to send donations that it can auction on eBay. 23/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Local authority makes £265,000 e-auction savingsStockport Council has saved £265,000 by re-tendering some of its electricity and food contracts. 24/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Companies owe '£128bn' on late invoicesThe average UK firm is waiting for £28,844 in late payment, new research has found. 24/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Royal Mail 'must modernise' to win customersRoyal Mail is a long way from achieving its own vision of becoming a "modern and efficient operator", according to the postal regulator. 28/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Mix contracts and spot purchases for best dealPurchasers can operate a more efficient supply chain if they mix fixed-price contracts with buying on the spot market, according to a model from researchers at Stanford University. 28/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Innovation flaws stop buyers 'achieving full value for taxpayer'Public procurement is failing to get the maximum value for taxpayers because purchasers often lack the skills and incentives to drive new ideas among suppliers and "purchase innovative solutions", according to a report. 29/08/2007 00:00:01
  • ICG Commerce seals Chiquita dealProcurement outsourcing company ICG Commerce has signed a five-year deal with Chiquita Brands International to handle the food giant's indirect procurement. 29/08/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS procurement hub saves £33m in two yearsThe NHS North West Collaborative Procurement Hub (NWCPH) saved £33 million over the past two years through aggregated spend and data management. 30/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Scottish Parliament announces new IT dealThe Scottish Parliament yesterday signed a £1.75 million a year contract for the delivery of IT services. 30/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Milk firm increases farmers' paymentsMilk processor Robert Wiseman Dairies is increasing the price it pays dairy farmers for milk. 31/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Electronic invoicing could save Europe ?243bnA European electronic invoicing (EEI) network could reduce supply chain costs across Europe by ?243 billion (£165 billion), according to a new report. 31/08/2007 00:00:01
  • Councils set for £65 million waste management PFI projectThe government has awarded two Yorkshire authorities £65 million for a PFI project to improve waste management facilities. 03/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Growth in manufacturing leads to job increasesActivity in the UK manufacturing sector reached its highest level for 37 months in August. 03/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Lib Dems outline "zero carbon" BritainThe Liberal Democrats want to use procurement to make Britain "carbon neutral" by 2050. 04/09/2007 00:00:01
  • UK construction activity at highest in almost a decadeConstruction activity in the UK rose to a nine-and-a-half year high last month, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). 04/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Premier Foods issues warning on food pricesThe UK's largest food producer says the days of increasingly cheap food may soon be over, as increased demand for biofuels puts a strain on grain production. 05/09/2007 00:00:01
  • New business boosts August service growthIncreased activity in the IT and computing industry boosted growth in the service sector last month. 05/09/2007 00:00:01
  • EEF calls for innovationThe government should use a £625 million-a-year fund to stimulate innovation among suppliers and get a better deal for the taxpayer, according to a report. 06/09/2007 00:00:00
  • Travel buyers fail to grasp manslaughter lawUnder 10 per cent of travel managers know how corporate manslaughter legislation affects their responsibility of buying travel for employees, according to new research. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Mattel initiates third toy recallUS toy firm Mattel has begun a third recall of products after more safety fears over some of its toys made in China. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Road delays will take their tollThe UK's transport infrastructure must improve to prevent delays and a huge impact on the country's supply chain, suppliers have warned. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Public sector takes private reinsThe public sector is to take a bigger role in two major projects that were in the hands of private contractors. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Store giants deny threatsTesco and Asda deny mistreatment of their suppliers, after the Competition Commission began a probe into communications from the supermarkets. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • OFT probes Anglian pricingBuyers may be missing out on competitive prices for water supplies if Aquavitae's claims of Anglian Water's "anti-competitive behaviour" are proved. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Extension hampers ALMOs efficienciesAn extension to the deadline to improve social housing is hampering efforts of buying consortia to save money. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Late pay hits UK firms for £128bnThe average UK firm is waiting for £28,844 in late payment, according to a study. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Li & Fung shoehorns PBI into its strategyHong-Kong based sourcing firm Li & Fung has bought Marks & Spencer's shoe supplier Peter Black International (PBI) in a deal worth over £48 million. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Do you get the extra mile?Suppliers' willingness to meet buyers' unusual requests varies between industries, but is mainly influenced by buyers' purchasing power. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • IMI probe into bribery claimsUK engineering company IMI has suspended some employees as part of an investigation into whether its agents paid bribes to secure contracts. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • CSR message goes unheardMany buyers fail to promote their organisation's corporate social responsibility (CSR) credentials. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Makella set for rapid growthHospitality e-procurement company Makella expects almost three-fold growth in its business over the next three years, following its recent acquisition by US firm Amphire Solutions. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Blue chips pay $12.7m in US contract casesThe US government has settled two procurement-related investigations after the firms involved agreed to pay a total of more than $12.7 million (£6.4 million). 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • ArcelorMittal to revise supply mixSteel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa is reviewing its use of foreign and local contractors after a poor performance by mostly domestic firms at its Vanderbijlpark mill in southern Gauteng. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Freight expectationsTrade associations, policy units and senior figures are urging the government to introduce road pricing and unblock the nation's roads. Gareth Mytton reports 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • OGC offlineRegarding Richard Gibson's recent letter (Frameworks are the future, 2 August), if there is one thing that makes by blood boil it is the very thought of using OGCbuying.solutions to find any information. 06/09/2007 00:00:01
  • EU member states should help SMEs win contractsEU countries must do more to improve smaller businesses' access to public procurement contracts, according to MEPs. 07/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Government keen to improve clothes sourcingThe UK government has launched a forum to improve the sustainability of clothing. 07/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Welsh Assembly appoints procurement adviserThe National Assembly for Wales has appointed a procurement and sustainability adviser. 10/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Poor contracts affect supermarket suppliersA lack of formal contract terms is damaging the business of food suppliers, according to a survey. 10/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Shortage of big contracts to hit IT suppliersIT suppliers must prepare for a slowdown in UK public sector business, according to a technology consultancy. 11/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Tories concerned over supply competitivenessThe UK needs a dramatic reform of its supply market to remain competitive internationally, according to the Conservatives. 11/09/2007 00:00:01
  • MoD savings figures criticised by MPsFigures claiming more than £780 million savings on major defence projects forecast by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have been "massaged", according to MPs. 12/09/2007 00:00:01
  • UK insurer outsources print services in £50m dealOne of the UK's largest general insurers has outsourced its print, mailing and transactional operation functions in a deal worth more than £50 million. 12/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Patients' views must guide commissioning by NHS trustsPrimary Care Trusts (PCTs) must listen to patients' opinions when commissioning services and demonstrate the effect their views have had, according to a committee of MPs. 13/09/2007 00:00:01
  • New procurement chiefs at Goodyear and AirbusGoodyear and Airbus have appointed new heads of procurement. 13/09/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Boys allowed' in women's networking groupA networking group for female buyers has decided to welcome men. The Blueprint Club, which held its inaugural meeting yesterday, will admit male buyers to its mentoring and networking service. 14/09/2007 00:00:00
  • Network Rail drops a third of suppliersNetwork Rail has cut the number of suppliers on its framework for track renewals from six to four. 14/09/2007 00:00:01
  • New guide for best way to buy events servicesCIPS' new guide to working with events services providers outlines the challenges buyers face in this area and details best practice. 17/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Mattel CEO apologises to senateMattel's chief executive has told a US senate committee that he was "disturbed and disappointed" by recent problems with the firm's Chinese suppliers. 17/09/2007 00:00:01
  • 10-fold savings for top buying functionsThe best procurement departments typically save 10 times their running cost, research has found. 18/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Charities angry at lost dealsAn inquiry is to investigate whether the third sector has unfairly missed out on government contracts. 18/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Report raises more doubts on NpfIT investmentThe £12.4 billion National Programme for IT (NPfIT) lacks necessary audits, risks creating supplier monopolies and is unlikely to produce value for money, according to a report. 19/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Manual spend data hampers savings driveMost firms cannot increase cost savings because they are still collecting purchasing data manually, according to new research. 19/09/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Honeycomb' career launchBarclays' sourcing department has launched a system to improve the career prospects of purchasers at the bank. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Tories call for green OGC reportsThe Office of Government Commerce (OGC) should report to Parliament annually on the government's progress on sustainable procurement, according to Conservative proposals put forward last week. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Training boost for BABritish Airways is to begin its first professional procurement training programme for almost a decade. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Profession 'must sell itself'Procurement must get better at marketing itself internally to progress as a profession and to avoid being outsourced. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Best' firms involve buyers in marketingBest-in-class organisations report "significantly more involvement" of their procurement functions in all marketing areas, according to new research. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Mayor's office tackles energy efficiency bidsA procurement director for the Mayor of London is leading a tender process to improve energy efficiency in buildings, taking the capital the world's first city to address an international climate pledge. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Low forecast for winter gas pricesSpot prices for gas are expected to remain low this winter because of improvements to supply security. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Suppliers 'deserve a share'Almost 80 per cent of buyers believe suppliers should share in their organisation's success. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Recycled paper increase plannedBuyers are planning to boost their use of recycled paper over the next five years, according to new research. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Toy safety under scrutinyThe European Commission is to begin a two-month review of toy safety controls, following another product recall of toys from China by Mattel. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Bunzl 'in top vending spot'Distribution and outsourcing giant Bunzl claims its acquisition of Coffee Point has made it the largest supplier of vending machines in Britain. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Co-op asks members for sustainability ideasThe Co-op is to ask its four million members in the UK what it should do about sustainability. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Hochtief joins BSC for better Chinese dealsGerman construction firm Hochtief is to set up a joint venture in China to source and buy materials. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Head buyers take off for airlinesTwo international airlines have this month appointed new heads of procurement. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Still green, but no longer greyGone are the days when recycled paper was fit only for egg cartons and cereal packaging. Antony Barton - examines its development as a major business material 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Following the launch of our online blog, we pick the best of recent comments.Visit <a href="http://www.supplymanagement.com/blog">www.supplymanagement.com/blog</a> to join the debates. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Clothes retailers must do more for overseas workersMany overseas workers who supply UK retailers continue to receive less than a living wage, according to a UK pressure group. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Welsh contracts exceed £4 billion onlineThe value of contracts published on the Welsh public sector procurement website has reached £4 billion. 20/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Local government must have sustainable procurement targetsLocal authorities must be able to measure themselves against targets for sustainable procurement, a leading campaigner has said. 21/09/2007 00:00:01
  • E.ON UK wins 2007 CIPS/SM AwardE.ON UK has won the top prize in the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2007. 21/09/2007 00:00:01
  • EU announces energy market reformsEurope needs a more liberal energy market if businesses are to remain competitive and energy supplies secure, according to the EU energy commissioner. 24/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Stakeholder meetings to boost BSF procurementThe delivery body for the £45 billion Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme aims to boost its procurement by bringing together all parties involved to thrash out a buying strategy. 24/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Government must buy 'greener' ITThe UK government must buy more environmentally friendly and efficient computer systems, says a Cabinet Office minister. 25/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Firms fear procurement scamsJust under half of all companies believe they are vulnerable to procurement fraud, a survey has found. 25/09/2007 00:00:01
  • DWP chief praises capability reviewThe recent procurement capability review at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was "enormously helpful", according to Sir Leigh Lewis, its permanent secretary. 26/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Ariba signs deal to buy ProcuriSpend management software company Ariba is to buy rival firm Procuri for $101 million (£51 million). 26/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Wal-Mart to check supplier carbonWal-Mart is to measure the energy its suppliers use in an attempt to make them more efficient. 27/09/2007 00:00:01
  • SMEs must see benefits of construction frameworksSmaller contractors need to recognise the benefits of construction framework agreements, according to a new report. 27/09/2007 00:00:01
  • Companies not prepared for supply chain disruptionFew companies are prepared for the disruption a worldwide pandemic could cause their supply chains. 28/09/2007 00:00:01
  • CIPS supports "ideals" of online exam markingCIPS says it may consider online marking for exams in the future, but would only introduce it if it passed a thorough investigation. 28/09/2007 00:00:01
  • UK manufacturing shows robust growthManufacturing activity in the UK remained strong last month and output prices increased at their fastest rate in at least eight years. 01/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Leeds council asks for community supportSuppliers to Leeds City Council (LCC) will be encouraged to do more for the community under a new scheme. 01/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Slight slowdown in construction growthGrowth in the construction industry was slower last month than in August, but the sector continued to expand. 02/10/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS hub takes over buying for five trustsSouth central NHS procurement hub Pro-Cure yesterday took over responsibilities for Southampton & Winchester Health Supplies Team. 02/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Devolve contract management, buyers toldNon-buyers should take charge of contract management, according to the former head of procurement at the Bank of England. 03/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Services activity remains strong despite slowdownActivity growth in the UK service sector remained strong last month, despite dropping to a 13-month low. 03/10/2007 00:00:01
  • <b>CIPS SM AWARDS: THE 2007 WINNERS</b>- 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Direct CEO reporting line key to supply chain successSupply chain leaders must report directly to the CEO if they are to achieve the best results. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • New skills framework for public sector bodiesThe Government Procurement Service has created a set of training standards as a guide for public bodies looking to develop their staff. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • E.ON UK scoops the big oneE.ON UK has won the top prize in the CIPS Supply Management Awards 2007. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Buying must be centralThe true measure of success in procurement should be how close it is to the centre of the organisation. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Instil fear to achieve successProcurement leaders should be feared by their staff or their organisation. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Citi's Hardie to tackle diversity in EMEAUS bank Citi has appointed its first supplier diversity manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • 'People and skills' to drive Royal Mail changePeople development is the engine behind Royal Mail's procurement transformation, according to its buying head. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • How to measure efficiency savingsPublic sector buyers should follow six steps to quantify efficiency savings. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Marketing: focus on media not 'magic'Purchasers should concentrate less on trying to influence the "creative" side of marketing and more on trying to reduce tangible costs. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Ad agencies face decouplingFew advertising agencies have broken up the services they offer despite increasing pressure from purchasers. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Buyers: 'no duty to third sector'Three-quarters of buyers do not think they have a responsibility to give more business to the third sector. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Fair pay charter signedThe government has signed the OGC's Fair Payment Charter, committing public sector clients, and their main contractors and supply chain members, to a series of principles for future construction projects. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Corruption 'rampant' in 40% of countriesProcurement is a "real hotspot" for tackling corruption in the public sector. The 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index was published last week by nongovernmental organisation Transparency International. It revealed more than 40 per cent of the 180 countries examined were perceived to have "rampant corruption" in the sector. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Philippines ups its transparencyThe government of the Philippines has set up two new organisations to improve the clarity and fairness of public procurement. 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Sustainability is hotting upSpeakers at the CIPS/SM Efficient & Sustainable Public Sector Procurement event gave compelling reasons for buyers to face the issue. By Antony Barton and Paul Snell 04/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Sole-supplier uniform contracts 'permitted'Schools are still able to source uniforms from a single supplier if they pass cost savings on to parents, the government has admitted to SM. 05/10/2007 00:00:01
  • FE colleges need better buying processesMany further education colleges are let down by poor management information and inferior procurement infrastructure, according to a committee of MPs. 05/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Better public procurement could offset SME tax cutA tax cut for small businesses would be possible with better government procurement, according to a pressure group. 08/10/2007 00:00:01
  • One contractor left in Olympics tenderThe Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) says engineering firm Balfour Beatty is the last contractor left in discussions to build the London 2012 Aquatics Centre. 08/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Purchasers' views sought for new supply contractThe Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has created a standard contract that purchasers in construction can use to buy goods. It also wants buyers to express their opinions on how the contract can be developed. 09/10/2007 00:00:01
  • US firms extend procurement outsourcing dealsTwo US-based manufacturers have renewed their procurement outsourcing deals with ICG Commerce. 09/10/2007 00:00:01
  • £30 billion public sector savings by 2010Government departments will be expected to save £30 billion over the next three years, the chancellor has announced. 09/10/2007 00:00:01
  • ePassport procurement 'excellent', says MPThe introduction of electronic passports was an "excellent example" of project management and procurement by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), says the chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts. 10/10/2007 00:00:01
  • DWP creates new procurement roleThe Department for Work and Pensions has made Barry Leighton its first head of commercial management. 11/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Efficiency claims challenged by MPsThere are "question marks" over nearly three-quarters of the government's claimed efficiency savings, according to MPs. 11/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Overseas suppliers could disrupt naval relationshipsAllowing overseas suppliers to bid for Royal Navy shipbuilding work could damage relationships between the government, UK industry and other members of the supply chain, an MP has said. 12/10/2007 00:00:01
  • BPMA to provide China sourcing adviceThe British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has launched an advice group to help buyers that trade with China. 12/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Ikea buyer jailed for taking £1m in bribesA purchaser for furniture chain Ikea has been jailed for two years for accepting over £1 million in bribes. 15/10/2007 00:00:00
  • Major firms in carbon measuring ventureHousehold names including Tesco, Unilever and Cadbury Schweppes have joined a new project to measure the carbon emissions of their supply chains. 15/10/2007 00:00:01
  • No threats from outsourcing, says ex-head of CBIOutsourcing is never a threat to a business but always an opportunity, according to the former director-general of the CBI. 16/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Low-cost country sourcing to soar by 2010Goods and services from low-cost countries will increase by 46 per cent by 2010, according to a survey of US supply chain executives. This represents a 130 per cent increase since 2004. 16/10/2007 00:00:01
  • First procurement director for RicardoRicardo, a UK technology and engineering firm, has appointed its first head of procurement. 17/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Bribery grows rapidly in the UKBribery is the fastest growing form of fraud in the UK, according to new research. 17/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Firebuy deal: injunction deniedA judge has thrown out an attempt by a clothing supplier to stop Firebuy doing a deal with another vendor. 18/10/2007 00:00:00
  • IBM in shared service dealTwo Somerset councils have struck a deal with IBM to create one of the largest shared service deals in the public sector. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Risk policy is weakIncreased use of risk management has failed to improve the way buyers and suppliers handle commercial disputes. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Competition gives good valueBuyers must create competitive markets to get value for money for marketing spend. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • M&S supplier calls in administratorShoe and homeware supplier Lambert Howarth has gone into administration after Marks & Spencer, its largest customer, cancelled all future orders. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Where to search for future talentThe wisdom of filling gaps in procurement staff with unqualified buyers was a focus of SM's second "thought leadership debate". 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Friends Provident turns to centralised buyingFriends Provident, a FTSE 100 financial services group, has set up a centralised procurement operation to manage its buying activity. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Pay gap worsens for women in CanadaSalaries for female buyers in Canada are rising more slowly than those for their male counterparts, research has found. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • 'Measure spend and develop skill'New procurement bodies need to make sure government purchasing is measured accurately, the Commonwealth has said. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Damping down the flamesA legal request to stop Firebuy signing a new deal with a clothing supplier has been thrown out by a judge. But, as Antony Barton reports, the dispute may not end there 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Review sets £30bn targetThe public sector must make £30 billion efficiency savings over the next three years, the chancellor has confirmed. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • NHS makes iSoft a preferred supplierNHS Connecting for Health (CfH) has awarded preferred supplier status to an IT company that the health service recently considered taking over during a legal dispute. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Government contracts should be UK based, says unionTrade union Unite is calling on the government to use its procurement process to favour UK businesses. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Review sets £30bn targetThe public sector must make £30 billion efficiency savings over the next three years, the chancellor has confirmed. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • BA's Maizey to lead CSR initiativeBritish Airways' chief buyer has been made the airline's new head of corporate social responsibility. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Transporters' takeover talksThe acquisition of a UK logistics firm is expected to create large cost savings for the French company buying it. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Revamped online catalogue for NHSNHS Supply Chain has launched an online catalogue that makes it easier to buy and supply products for trusts. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Non-buyers can manage contractsMost purchasers believe non-buyers are capable of handling contract management. 18/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Winners announced in first green travel awardsThe Institute of Travel Management this week awarded the inaugural green business travel awards. 19/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Competition bodies urged to target retail vendor squeezeThe Competition Commission (CC) should be investigating retailers who force suppliers to take back unsold stock, a law firm has said. 19/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Housing associations told to improve supplier diversityThe drive for efficiency in housing development should not exclude small and minority businesses, a report has said. 22/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Recruitment drive to boost procurement in ScotlandScottish public sector procurement bodies have joined forces to raise the profile of the profession among students. 22/10/2007 00:00:01
  • IPS names potential ID card suppliersThe Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has short-listed eight companies to tender for the £2 billion contract to supply passports and ID cards. 23/10/2007 00:00:01
  • BT to develop renewable energy supplyBT is to develop its own wind farms to supply a quarter of its future energy. 23/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Supply chain company ranked 'fastest growing'Consultancy firm Deloitte has awarded first place in their list of fastest growing technology firms to a supply chain company. 24/10/2007 00:00:01
  • Insurance deal for fire service launchedFirebuy has set up a deal to allow fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) in England to buy cheaper insurance. 24/10/2007 00:00:01

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