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Issue #8 · 21st January 2025 Web version

đź“Ž The Procurement Space Weekly

📬 New blog post

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Procurement -   We’re excited to have Caroline back as a contributor! In this post, she opens up about imposter syndrome in procurement, sharing her personal experiences and strategies to turn self-doubt into growth.

Caroline Ghost



đź“° Procurement news

General:

Is Remote Work Real Work?” Stuart Rose Sparks Debate -   Former M&S boss Stuart Rose claims working from home isn’t “proper work” and warns it’s dragging down productivity. Are businesses and employees losing out in the age of remote work? His comments reignite the debate on how we work best.

Zoe Conway

UK's Modern Slavery Act: Progress Stalled? -   In December 2024, the UK government responded to the House of Lords' report urging updates to the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Despite this, tangible progress appears limited, with the UK still trailing behind nations that have enacted stricter anti-slavery measures. The lack of substantial action raises concerns about the UK's commitment to combating modern slavery effectively.

Nathan Peacey

Sustainability:

Dutch Lead the Way: Circular Procurement Gets a Boost with NWA Grant -   Utrecht University’s CIRCLASH project, funded by the Dutch National Science Agenda, is tackling the clash between public procurement laws and circular economy goals. The research aims to set clear criteria for circular procurement and propose legislative changes, positioning governments as true circular economy trailblazers. Other countries should take notes—this is how you make sustainable progress more than just a buzzword!

Prof. dr. mr. Willem Janssen

Inghams Goes Solar: Should Other Agri-Businesses Follow? -   Inghams’ 20-year solar energy deal with Lodestone Energy powers its NZ operations sustainably and cost-effectively. With no upfront infrastructure costs, this procurement move aligns with their environmental goals. Is it time for other agri-businesses to embrace renewable energy for a greener future?

Steve Edwards

Marketing:

Big Media Shrinks: Publicis Merges Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide -   Publicis Groupe is merging two of its biggest agencies—Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide—into one entity, 'Leo.' With 15,000 staff across 90 countries, it’s a move towards efficiency, but is it also a step towards less choice and more cookie-cutter creativity? As agency giants consolidate, is the industry losing its spark?

Chris Kelly

Martin Sorrell Claims CMO Role Has Simplified -   Martin Sorrell claims the role of the Chief Marketing Officer has simplified, thanks to the dominance of major ad platforms like Google, Meta, and Amazon. But is that the full picture? While platforms streamline ad spend, CMOs now juggle AI integration, evolving consumer expectations, and the complexities of data-driven strategies. Easier or just different? You decide.

Shauna Lewis

WFA’s 2025 Predictions: What’s Shaping the Future? -   The WFA predicts big changes for brands in 2025, from the rise of retail media to tighter regulations and sustainability challenges. With tech like AI reshaping how we work and agency models evolving, marketers are gearing up for a fast-changing landscape. Will brands keep up or fall behind?

WFA

Energy:

Inside the Procurement Process for the UK's New Nuclear Weapons Facility -   The UK government is set to construct a new nuclear weapons factory, with the procurement process emphasising transparency, security, and collaboration. Key steps include pre-qualification questionnaires, competitive tendering, and stringent supplier assessments to ensure compliance with safety and security standards. Engagement with industry stakeholders aims to foster innovation and efficiency throughout the project's development.

Tom Pashby

IT:

Schneider Electric Champions Sustainable Tech at Davos 2025 -   At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Schneider Electric is leading discussions on sustainable technology. The company released reports addressing data center expansion in an energy-constrained world and integrating AI for energy transition. Emphasizing that sustainability and economic growth can coexist, Schneider Electric advocates for strategic partnerships to leverage innovation and technology for meaningful impact.

Charlie King

Matt Hancock's Health Tech Agenda for 2025: A Critical Examination -   Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock's address at the Future Health event outlines an ambitious health tech agenda for 2025, emphasizing digital transformation within the NHS. While the vision promotes advancements in AI, data interoperability, and patient care, it raises questions about feasibility, given the NHS's historical challenges with large-scale IT implementations. The success of this initiative will depend on addressing existing infrastructure limitations, securing adequate funding, and ensuring staff readiness for technological integration.

HT world News editor

Food & Beverage:

2025 Food Trends: Bold Flavors and Nostalgic Notes -   As 2025 unfolds, the food and beverage industry is embracing dynamic shifts in consumer preferences. Notably, there's a surge in bold umami and spicy flavors, reflecting a growing appetite for Asian-inspired tastes. This trend is complemented by a resurgence of nostalgic flavors, such as peanut butter and jelly, appealing to Gen X consumers. Additionally, the fusion of traditional and innovative textures, like mochi in various confections, is gaining popularity. These developments highlight a broader movement towards experiential eating, where consumers seek both novel and comforting culinary experiences.

Jennifer Lawinski

Call for Overhaul of Farm Assurance Framework -   A recent review has urged a comprehensive revamp of the UK's farm assurance framework, highlighting the need for enhanced transparency, accountability, and consumer trust. The report suggests that current schemes, such as Red Tractor, must adapt to evolving standards and public expectations to maintain credibility in the agricultural sector.

Kevin White


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Curated by Jade Wigmore
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