Blogs

Going into 2020, it’s undeniable that the role of the modern CPO is changing. As a company deeply embedded in the procurement and supply chain sector, we’ve gone to great lengths in our blogs to reflect the views of our peers, in considering what skills CPOs will need to continue to be successful and relevant in the next decade. In a recent write-up of a company roundtable, ...

The debate on whether procurement should have a seat at board level has been an active topic of discussion for a while now, as more and more professionals make the transition to senior positions. However, compared to other departments the number is still negligible, and for many in the industry the procurement function is still severely undervalued. While this argument rages...

Telecommunication procurement can be a lengthy process at the best of times, but with the current pressures facing the industry, it’s proving more difficult than ever. At a time when successful procurement functions are needed for the roll-out of 5G and other large-scale projects, uncertainty over Brexit and tensions with China could cause havoc in the industry. So, what are...

Procurement, despite a wealth of evidence to the contrary, is still often viewed as simply a purchasing function. However, a successful procurement function isn’t just about saving money, and progressive CPOs are always on the lookout for new ways to deliver value. In fact, we would argue that this specialism is actually uniquely positioned to identify and pursue opportuniti...

Handling Counter Offers in Procurement So, you’ve been through the arduous process of applications, interviews, salary negotiations, and finally been offered a job at another company. However, once you decide to hand in your notice, your current employer, in an effort to make you stay, makes a counter offer, with a higher salary and perhaps even an attractive benefits packag...

As a system which enables the transfer of a huge variety of goods and services around the world, modern supply chains are vast ecosystems, with products often moving through multiple parties and regions. Naturally, this can lead to a number of inefficiencies. However, there are plenty of emerging technologies with the potential to disrupt this. Blockchain, the Internet of Th...

We’re delighted to share the news that 1st Executive has received a KellyOCG award for Supplier Excellence. KellyOCG, the outsourcing and consulting group of Kelly Services, presented the award last week at the Spring Supplier Forum in Amsterdam, recognising their top performers. Suppliers were evaluated on three criteria: Scorecard results of performance Compliance Engageme...

With the extensive, interconnected supply chains that businesses are using today, the likelihood of disruption is higher than ever. In fact, according to a 2018 study, disruption within the supply chain continue to grow at an alarming rate, and is at its highest since records began in 2010. This could be down to a number of factors, and picking them apart - to find out what-...

Recently, we hosted an insightful roundtable event on the future of procurement and the skills that future CPO’s will need, with procurement leaders from a range of organisations. Discussions were thought-provoking, and covered a variety of topics. Most of the panel concluded that while traditional procurement skills are still relevant, modern CPO’s need to be able to do muc...

So, at last we have some clarity on the introduction of the off-payroll working rules – otherwise known as IR35 - into the private sector. Or do we?  The Chancellor announced in the Budget that, to bring the private sector in line with the public sector, businesses will become responsible for assessing an individual’s employment status. However, he also announced that the re...