đź“° Procurement news
General:
| Getting the Best Out of AI with Your Prompts - Â To get the best results from AI
models, it's essential to write clear and specific prompts. Ensure your instructions are precise, use
correct grammar and spelling, and provide relevant context. Being polite can also enhance the quality of
responses. Remember, the more detailed and clear your prompt, the better the AI can assist you. Oscar Quine |
| AI Creativity: Don't Fear the Robot Overlords - Â Despite widespread worries
about AI seizing control of creative industries, the reality is more measured. AI-generated works without
human input lack copyright protection, underscoring that human creativity remains indispensable. Rather than
heralding a takeover, AI is best seen as a tool that complements—and is ultimately subordinate to—human
ingenuity. Andrei Iancu &
David Kappos |
| Paper and Pulp Industry Outlook 2025: Steady as She Goes - Â After a turbulent
2023 with declining demand, 2024 saw recovery in most paper and board sectors. The industry is expected to
stabilise in 2025, returning to more typical growth rates. Factors influencing paper prices include raw
material costs, energy, labour, transportation, and supply-demand dynamics. Packaging and tissue segments
are anticipated to perform well, driven by evolving consumer demand. Macroeconomic elements like high
interest rates and geopolitical tensions may also impact the market. EMGE |
IT & Software
| Banks Can't Outsource Cloud Risks - Â Banks are increasingly adopting cloud
services, but they must remember that while they can outsource tasks, they can't outsource the
associated risks. Regulators expect robust third-party risk management frameworks to be in place. It's
essential for banks to ensure that their contracts with cloud providers clearly define responsibilities and
maintain strong oversight to manage potential security breaches effectively. Walt Williams |
| Rethinking IT Procurement in the NHS - Â Steve Haskew of Circular Computing
argues that the NHS's traditional IT procurement approach is unsustainable. He advocates for adopting
remanufactured IT equipment, which offers cost savings and environmental benefits without compromising
quality. This shift could help the NHS manage tight budgets while supporting sustainability goals. What do
you think? Steve Haskew |
| IT Leaders Struggle with Sustainability—Is It Just Lip Service? -  A recent
Barco ClickShare survey reveals that while 98% of IT leaders have set sustainability KPIs, many encounter
obstacles such as leadership indifference and challenges in integrating sustainable solutions. Over half
feel unsupported in their efforts, with 44% citing integration complexities and 37% pointing to a lack of
information on sustainable options. Additionally, 94% of IT purchasing decisions require multi-stakeholder
approval, including C-suite involvement in 49% of cases, yet only 15% believe top executives prioritize IT
sustainability. Business wire
|
| Scottish Cloud Provider Applauds UK Government's Microsoft Deal - Â A
leading Scottish cloud services supplier has welcomed a five-year technology agreement between Microsoft and
the UK Government, viewing it as a significant opportunity to enhance public sector digital services. The
deal aims to provide public sector organisations with access to Microsoft's AI-powered products and
services, potentially driving innovation and efficiency across various departments. Kevin O'Sullivan |
Marketing:
| Media Inflation Predicted to Rise in 2025 and 2026 - Â The World Federation of
Advertisers forecasts increased media price inflation in nine of the top ten global markets for 2025, with
the US rising from 2.1% in 2024 to 2.3% in 2025. India is expected to see significant increases, reaching
9.6% by 2026. Mxiq |
| 🎥 Netflix Teases 2025 Lineup: Are We Really Ready? -  Wieden+Kennedy Portland
and directing team Megaforce have dropped a dramatic teaser for Netflix’s 2025 slate, claiming “we’re not
ready” for what’s coming. With major finales like Stranger Things and Squid Game on the horizon, Netflix is
setting the stage for a blockbuster year. Netflix |
Energy
| UK’s Heat Network Plans: £95bn Investment or a Repeat of Past Mistakes? -  The
UK is pushing heat networks to decarbonise heating, with up to ÂŁ95bn in potential investment. Like the
district heating systems seen in former communist countries, the idea is to provide efficient, centralised
heating to multiple buildings. But while those systems were state-controlled, the UK’s version leans on
private investment—raising concerns that profit-driven motives could take precedence over long-term
efficiency and affordability. After decades of privatised utilities struggling to deliver, will this be a
smart step toward Net Zero or just another example of putting business before people? James Evison |
| Pod Point Enters Energy Flexibility Market Under P415 - Â James with another! Pod
Point is now selling energy in wholesale markets under the P415 regulation, making EV charging smarter and
more rewarding. With access to the biggest flex market, they aim to boost grid stability and Net Zero
goals—now if only finding a working charger was this easy! James Evison |
| Vattenfall CEO Champions Sustainable Energy Infrastructure - Â Under CEO Anna
Borg, Vattenfall is advancing Europe's energy transition by developing offshore and onshore wind farms.
The company achieved a milestone with the inauguration of the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm in the
Netherlands, the world's first modern subsidy-free offshore wind project. Borg emphasizes the
importance of collaborations in driving the energy transition forward. Despite challenges like rising costs
and supply chain constraints, Vattenfall remains committed to investing in fossil-free projects that align
with its sustainability goals.
Sean Ashcroft |
Food & Beverage:
| FSMA Rule 204: Catching Up to Europe on Food Transparency - Â Coming in 2026,
FSMA Rule 204 mandates stricter food traceability, requiring companies to track key data points across the
supply chain. While a big step for the U.S., Europe has long led the way in supply chain
transparency—raising the question: is the U.S. playing catch-up? Liz Serti |
| RFID: Revolutionising Food Retail - Â RFID is helping food retailers by improving
inventory tracking, cutting waste, and boosting supply chain efficiency. Unlike when you awkwardly tap your
phone on a card reader five times before it works, RFID in retail actually makes operations smoother and
more reliable. Food Bev media
|
| Food Prices Remain a Concern—Will 2025 Bring Relief? -  The Food Standards
Agency's Consumer Insights Tracker reported that in March 2024, 87% of consumers were concerned about
food prices, with 22% worried about affording food in the coming month. Looking ahead, industry forecasts
suggest that food inflation could reach nearly 5% in 2025, driven by increased production costs and economic
factors. This raises the question: will consumers face continued financial strain at the supermarket, or
will measures be implemented to alleviate these pressures? Food Bev media |
| Diageo Partners with Castel, Sells Guinness Ghana Stake - Â Diageo is shifting to
an "asset-light" model in Africa, selling its 80.4% stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries to Castel
Group for $81m. The deal allows Diageo to focus on brand ownership while partnering with local operators for
production and distribution. Guinness will continue to be brewed under licence in Ghana. Siân Yates |
In brief:
| From MEAT
to MAT: Redefining Value in Procurement - Â The UK's Procurement Act 2023 introduces a shift
from the 'Most Economically Advantageous Tender' (MEAT) to the 'Most Advantageous Tender'
(MAT). This change allows contracting authorities to consider a broader range of factors beyond just cost,
such as social value, environmental impact, and community benefits, when awarding contracts. The aim is to
encourage procurement decisions that deliver lasting positive outcomes for communities and the environment,
rather than focusing solely on the lowest price. Sarah Fraser |
| Penny
Software: A Game-Changer for Housing Procurement - Â Penny Software is shaking up the housing
sector with its digital platform, streamlining procurement processes and boosting efficiency. It promises to
simplify supplier management and contract handling in an industry that's long overdue for a modern
touch. Aaron McMillan |
| Icertis
Optimises Procurement with AI - Â Icertis is now deploying AI agents to streamline procurement
processes. This innovative approach automates routine tasks, enhances compliance, and provides deeper
insights, allowing procurement teams to focus more on strategic decision-making. Sophie Rice |
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