Our News And Insights | 4C Associates

The Case for Change: Procurement Annual Report 2023

In last years’ Procurement Annual Survey we discussed the unprecedented procurement and supply chain challenges facing organisations and provided a series of recommendations on how to reimagine and to reinvent procurement for the future. Whilst supply chain resilience issues caused by the pandemic linger, other challenges have emerged with recent political and macroeconomic events significantly impacting energy and input...

6 Practical Strategies to Break Down Silos in Consumer Products Businesses

In today’s consumer products industry, achieving effective cross-functional collaboration is essential. Silos between manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement departments create inefficiencies, limit innovation, and erode trust across an organisation. Breaking down these silos can unlock agility, promote end-to-end efficiency, and foster resilience, driving better outcomes for both the business and its customers. Based on insights from 4C Associates’ recent...

Navigating Economic Recovery: Strategies for Food & Beverage Companies in a Changing Consumer Landscape

Drawing on insights from the 4C 2024 F&B Survey, we’re examining how changing economic conditions are reshaping consumer choices in food and drink purchases. We explore how easing inflationary pressures have influenced shoppers' price sensitivity, and how factors such as product range and sustainability now play an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions. Furthermore, this analysis provides actionable strategies...

Can Agile Supply Chains Ease Pressures for FMCGs?

The consumer products industry is navigating the fallout of major international events such as concurrent geopolitical conflicts, inflation, and unpredictable demand. Businesses that fail to tailor their supply chain strategy to marketplace requirements risk their market share, competitiveness, or worse, their survival. So how can Introducing an agile supply chain help?

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This guide introduces the key activities in strategic sourcing and focuses on the key steps to follow to ensure it can be successfully implemented within organisations.

Procurement Vs Strategic Sourcing

This guide introduces the key activities in strategic sourcing and focuses on the key steps to follow to ensure it can be successfully implemented within organisations.

Effective Partnering for Competitive Advantage

How will sponsors and CROs achieve competitive advantage in todays clinical development environment? Be the first to make hybrid outsourcing models work with much greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Adapting to Evolution (and Revolution): Is Your Operating Model Fit for The Constantly Changing Global Environment?

We live in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, unforeseen black swan events and the ever-evolving and dynamic nature of business and customer culture. As a result of this, organisations often find themselves having to navigate a fluid, complex and unpredictable global environment. The considerable challenge is to develop sustainable outcomes for the long-term when faced...

The Nexus of Healthcare Policies and Supply Chain Challenges

The upcoming general election and new government’s policies will undoubtedly have some impact on the landscape of supply chains and logistics for the next four years. How will the efficiency and resilience of supply chains influence the new government's ability to deliver on its policy promises? In particular in the NHS?

The Generation Game

The workplace environment is changing and our expectations of each other, our services, products and suppliers with it. As the generational mix of workers starts to evolve towards those born into a technology enabled world, what does that mean for our working relationships?

Analogue to Algorithm: Pioneering Change in a Digital Frontier

Delve into the importance of change in the procurement domain, how diverse approaches to change management can impact outcomes and how a harmonious blend of change management principles and technology can drive successful transformation.

Is Security of Supply Possible in Deflationary Supply Markets?

Falling prices can boost your bottom line, but can you secure supply in a deflationary market? This blog explores the challenges and opportunities of deflationary supply chains. Discover strategies for leveraging cost reductions while maintaining security.

Glide Paths for Sustainable Growth: Our Takeaways from The WPC

We recently attended the World Procurement Congress which provided a great opportunity to delve into pressing retail and consumer challenges that a lot of our current clients are facing such as ESG, resilience, performance, partnerships, and digitalization. Read our key takeaways here.

Future-Proofing Life Sciences Procurement: Key Trends From The World Procurement Congress

We're delighted to share some valuable insights gathered from the recent World Procurement Congress held in the vibrant city of London from May 14th - 16th, this event was a powerhouse of knowledge exchange and networking. The Life Sciences industry is experiencing significant transformations due to technological advancements, demographic shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer expectations.

The Procurement Act: What Do Practitioners Need to Know?

The Procurement Act 2023 will overhaul the existing public procurement regime in the UK. These reforms aim to create a simpler and more flexible procurement system, open up opportunities for new entrants (such as small businesses and social enterprises), and enhance transparency.

Seven Steps of Strategic Sourcing

This guide introduces the key activities in strategic sourcing and focuses on the key steps to follow to ensure it can be successfully implemented within organisations.