Latest Articles
Saks Global’s Failure
Saks Global’s failure shows how supplier trust functions as working capital. This article explores how delayed payments, silence and weakened confidence trigger behavioural risk, accelerating collapse long before balance sheets force the issue.
Mark Carney's Davos Warning for Procurement
Mark Carney’s Davos warning was not about predicting the next shock, but about recognising that stability assumptions no longer hold. This article explains why procurement must rethink supplier risk, move beyond process, and treat SRM as a leadership capability built for disruption.
Respect, Trust and Loyalty
Respect, trust and loyalty are often discussed in supplier management, but rarely embedded with intent. This article explains how these principles shape supplier behaviour, drive discretionary effort, and translate into better customer outcomes when designed into SRM.
From Customer of Choice to Customer Delight
State of Flux research shows that customer experience is shaped as much by suppliers as by internal teams. This article explores how becoming a customer of choice drives discretionary supplier effort, strengthens relationships, and ultimately delivers customer delight at scale.
Zimmer Biomet’s Major Transformation Disrupted by Weak Supplier Management
Zimmer Biomet’s major transformation exposed how weak supplier management can disrupt even the most complex global programmes. This article examines what went wrong, why large system integrators amplify risk, and how structured SRM can restore control, accountability and value.
Business leadership hungry for supplier innovation
Executives increasingly expect suppliers to contribute fresh ideas that drive growth and efficiency. This article explores why supplier-led innovation is becoming a boardroom priority and how SRM provides the structure to turn potential into measurable business impact.
Winning relationships support Olympic success
Behind every Olympic performance is a network of suppliers providing equipment, logistics, and technology. This article looks at how strong supplier relationships contribute to resilience and success on the world stage, and what businesses can learn from the collaboration behind elite sport.
Is SRM and procurement missing the supplier innovation dividend?
Suppliers are often the source of breakthrough ideas, yet many procurement teams fail to capture that potential. This article explores how weak SRM practices hold back innovation and what organisations can do to unlock more value through closer collaboration with their supply base.
Delaying Payment to Suppliers
Late payments remain one of the biggest frustrations for suppliers, straining relationships and increasing risk in the supply chain. This blog looks at the hidden costs of delaying payment and why fair, timely practices strengthen trust, resilience, and long-term value.
Fujitsu's Role in the UK Post Office Scandal and Implications for Procurement
The UK Post Office scandal exposed how poor oversight of a major supplier, Fujitsu, led to systemic failures and lasting harm. This blog examines the procurement lessons, from governance gaps to accountability, and why robust supplier management is essential in high-stakes contracts.
Elevating Supplier Management: A Strategic Imperative for Boeing and the Aviation Industry
Boeing’s recent setbacks have underlined how critical supplier performance is to safety, reputation, and profitability. This blog explores why stronger SRM is now a strategic priority for aviation, and how better collaboration and oversight can restore confidence across the industry.
Supplier Management as a Weapon: The Dark Side of Business Tactics - Temu vs Shein
The rivalry between Temu and Shein highlights how supplier management can be used as leverage rather than partnership. This blog explores the risks of exploitative tactics, their impact on suppliers, and why sustainable success depends on collaboration instead of coercion.
Why large oil companies find implementing supplier management a challenge
Major oil companies depend on vast, complex supplier networks, yet many still struggle to embed consistent SRM practices. This blog looks at the barriers, from siloed operations to cultural resistance, and how tackling these challenges can unlock greater value and resilience.
Toyota’s Takata Crisis: How Supplier Management Impacts Share Price and Reputation
The Takata airbag scandal cost Toyota billions and damaged its reputation worldwide. This blog explores how weak supplier oversight contributed to the crisis and why robust SRM is critical to protecting both shareholder value and customer trust.
McDonald's Blames Supplier for Global Systems Outage - Better Supplier Relationship Management Would Have Helped
McDonald’s recent global systems outage exposed how fragile supplier relationships can put business continuity at risk. This blog examines the fallout, why blame alone doesn’t solve the problem, and how stronger SRM practices could prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The Lifeline of Economy: How Supporting Small Suppliers Strengthens Us All
Small suppliers play a crucial role in innovation, resilience, and community impact, yet they are often the most vulnerable in supply chains. This blog explores why supporting them strengthens the wider economy and how procurement can create fairer, more sustainable partnerships.
SAP's Bribery Scandal: Evaluating the Risks for Corporate Partnerships
SAP’s bribery scandal raised serious questions about governance and ethical risk in supplier relationships. This blog looks at the wider lessons for procurement, showing why due diligence, transparency, and active supplier management are essential to protecting corporate reputation.
Navigating the Waters: Challenges and Solutions for the UK Water Industry in AMP8
As the UK water sector moves into AMP8, utilities face mounting pressure on costs, resilience, and sustainability. This blog explores the challenges ahead and how stronger supplier relationships can help companies meet regulatory demands while building long-term value.
RFP Pitfalls: Why Supplier Collaboration Starts with Respect
The way suppliers are treated during an RFP shapes the relationship that follows. This blog looks at the hidden costs of poor treatment, from reduced trust to higher prices, and shows how respect and clear communication create stronger, more collaborative partnerships.
Beyond Transactions: Exploring Return on Relationships in Supplier Management
Supplier management has evolved from a cost-control exercise to a discipline that drives competitive advantage. This blog explores the idea of Return on Relationships, showing how stronger supplier partnerships can unlock innovation, resilience, and long-term business value.