Lucy Patchett

Novo-K • 4th February 2022

Spotlight: The Sustainable Procurement Pledge rallies the power of the procurement community

The Sustainable Procurement Pledge team brought together professionals in a movement to be the sustainability superheroes of supply chains – “Because with great power comes great responsibility.”

The Sustainable Procurement Pledge (SPP) are rallying the power of the crowd to improve engagement and knowledge in sustainability and lead the function into a new era.

Novo-K • 26th November 2021

Three Business Actions Towards Improving Supply Chain Sustainability

As we draw to the end of the year, a time of self-reflection is in order, prompted by events such as the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and discussions of how future industries will go forward. Similarly, Gartner has advised procurement and supply chain companies to re-evaluate their business goals and take three major actions to contribute positively to a more sustainable world.

At the research firm’s Virtual Supply Chain Symposium last month, leaders concluded that to address environmental risks alongside financial goals businesses need to adopt a sustainable profit approach by leading with a long-term perspective.

SMARTresources - Novo-K • 18th October 2021

A Procurement Perspective: Is Your Business Prioritising Diversity in the Workplace? | SMARTresources

Many of the injustices of 2020 contributed to the tidal wave pushing companies to make more efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion actions internally, with international businesses such as Starbucks and WPP launching millions of dollars of new funding.

However, some may be concerned whether this has actually trickled down to influence the day-to-day, virtual or physical, workplace environment. We explored how procurement professionals can make a difference on the ground, and what new challenges the pandemic has brought.

Supply Management • 18th October 2021

Four key hurdles faced by women in procurement

For International Women’s Day CIPS asked women in procurement across the globe for their insights on a range of topics.

The theme of the day is #ChooseToChallenge and from their answers we identified four key challenges women face in their careers.

Maryanne Karanja, supply chain professional, Africa, said: “I choose to challenge discriminatory norms, standards and expectations, and the ‘double bind dilemma’ – whereby women in leadership are often faced by a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' situation due to gender bias."

Novo-K • 12th August 2021

Women in Supply Chain: top tips for leadership and teambuilding

Leading female supply chain professionals discussed effective team building, preparation and planning in procurement in the virtual talk, Empowering Women in Supply Chain Network, held by SAP Digital Supply Chain. With obstacles, from disruption to cybersecurity and remote working challenges, continuing to plague procurement teams, it’s vital to have a capable and supportive hand at the helm.

Novo-K • 15th July 2021

Four Ways Leaders Can Continue the Rise of Procurement

Recent world-changing events, such as the pandemic and Brexit, have triggered awareness of the value the procurement function brings and showed the difference that comes from giving procurement leaders more influence at board-level.

According to Deloitte’s 2021 CPO survey, agile, high-performing companies perform better when procurement has a higher “quality of influence”, both with stakeholders and C-suite executives.

Novo-K • 8th July 2021

How Procurement Can Progress Sustainability and Circular Supply Chains

While procurement usually take the lead from consumer demand, it’s time for the function to take the stage for driving value through the business.

Andy Neilson, founder of procurement consultancy Twisted Orange and commercial director at Novo-K, said: “Procurement can be that conduit for change because a lot of consumers need educating as well.”

Supply Management • 14th May 2021

How to manage occupational health compliance

The pandemic has forced many employees to construct makeshift workstations, while battling family members for space. One year on, and with millions still at home, is there a looming threat of occupational health risks ahead?

In the second half of 2020, 60% of firms started looking more closely at risks from employee health and safety as a result of Covid-19, according to a Gartner study.

Supply Management • 28th January 2021

Vertical farming takes root in agri-tech

With resources waning, the future of farming could be over our heads

Vertical farming will be a $12.04bn market by 2026, according to Fortune Business Insights, so it’s no wonder global giants such as Google, Amazon and IKEA are taking an interest.

As cities continue to grow – along with the global population, which is expected to hit 9.7bn by 2050 – the agriculture sector is being asked to ensure food security for an extra two billion people.

Supply Management • 17th December 2020

Q&A: Everything you need to know about port disruption

Procurement professionals are facing challenges as they seek to mitigate supply chain risks caused by port disruptions across the world.

As firms report delayed deliveries and higher costs, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Food and Drink Federation have written a letter to the the House of Commons International Trade Committee and Transport Select Committee calling for an inquiry into port disruption and the shipping market.

The letter highlighted port disruption impacts, including