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...

Digital Procurement: Saving our Government’s Systems

Some 25% of government systems are outdated, according to findings from DSIT (2025) - contributing to an estimated cost of £45 billion a year to the taxpayer. If optimised correctly, technology in public sector procurement can enhance transparency, accelerate strategic decision-making, secure sensitive data and soften long-term cost to the taxpayer.

Cut Smarter, Spend Better: How Zero-Based-Everything Redefines Procurement Efficiency

In today’s economic reality, traditional strategies like incremental savings or across-the-board reductions are just too slow, too blunt, and too superficial to cope with these pressures. Simply put: leaders can no longer rely on yesterday’s budgets or blanket reductions to solve today’s challenges. To thrive, businesses need a smarter, faster approach - one that delivers impact quickly and aligns every...

In the News: The Future of Europe’s Food & Drink Industry: What challenges and opportunities await in 2025?

Pete Hatfield, Director at 4C featured in Food Navigator’s latest article where he explores key trends and challenges shaping the sector in 2025

In the News: The Hospitality Landscape is Shifting: Are you Ready?

Labour’s new policies are set to significantly impact the hospitality and leisure sectors. In Katie Deem’s latest article for CLH News, she discusses how businesses can navigate these changes.

2025 Procurement Predictions Featuring our Experts

Zip’s 25 Procurement Predictions for 2025 include insights from leaders of our Digital team, Mark Ellis and Joe Gibson. The comprehensive, forward-thinking guide, shaped by insights from 25 leading voices, dives into critical industry trends, challenges and opportunities

Software Asset Management: Cost Savings & Beyond

At its core, Software Asset Management is about more than just keeping track of your licensing estate. Think of it as an efficient and clinical software inventory of an organisation, uncovering hidden inefficiencies and ensuring every software asset is used to its fullest potential.

In the News: 5 Strategies for Retailers and Manufacturers to Maximise Profits over the Festive Period

Read 4C Director Pete Hatfield’s most recent article for Food Manufacture where he gives his top tips to supercharge your sales over the festive period. Pete shares expert advice on how to navigate the holiday rush, optimise operations, and boost your bottom line.

4C Associates named in Management Today’s Top 100 Management Consultancies 2024

4C Associates has been named in Management Today’s Top 100 Management Consultancies, a testament to our team’s commitment to delivery exceptional value to over 60 clients we have worked with this year, across the public and private sectors.

Procurement’s Role in Supporting Innovation and Agility: Moving Beyond Traditional Boundaries

Supply Chain: Top 40 Under 40

We are delighted to announce Joe Gibson, our Director of Digital Innovation and supply chain has been recognised as one of the most exciting under 40-year-olds in Supply Chain.

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...

Podcast: The importance of being a BCorp

Our Chief Operating Officer, Suzanna Hinnell featured on the TalentDrive Podcast in November to talk about the importance of being a B Corp

In The News: The Human Factor: The Missing Piece in Successful AI Procurement

In Joe Gibson’s recent article for The CFO, "The Human Factor: Navigating the Challenges of AI adoption in procurement," he explores the critical role of humans in navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of AI in procurement.

In the News: The Shifting Sands of Shopping

Our Head of Consumer Products, Katy Gallagher featured in November’s issue of FMCG CEO Magazine where she talks about changing consumer preferences in food and beverage.

Podcast: The Secrets to Effective Procurement in Competitive Markets

Our MD, Jeremy Smith joined Higgle: The B2B Sales Club Podcast to unlock the secrets of effective procurement in today’s competitive landscape.