More P's and less Zzzz's - say hello to Proxima and Procurian

Pure-play procurement outsourcing heats up, triggering two name changes among procurement-focused service providers. Proxima (formerly buyingTeam) based its new name on the need for procurement to leave behind its cost savings heritage that has always marginalized its value in the eyes of its internal customers. In the place of cost savings, Proxima wants to focus on developing procurement’s “proximity” and “intimacy” with the broader objectives of its business unit.

Firing on all cylinders

Cost management is a priority for every business. Procurement outsourcing can offer a number of benefits, including visibility and control of costs

Procurement outsourcers buyingTeam become Proxima

Procurement outsourced service providers, have emerged, like a beautiful butterfly from a chrysalis, as Proxima.

2011: The year of disruption and the unexpected

A wrap up of 2011 - covering high-impact events, the global economy and increasing business uncertainty PLUS some predictions and forecasts for what is in store over the next 12 months.

Redefining Procurement (Part 2 of 3)

Chris Gayner, Marketing Manager at Proxima discusses how far off are we from Procurement as an indispensable, strategic partner of the business.

Digital Marketing just one part of an overall strategy

Mark Greatorex, senior procurement specialist offered his insight and opinion at a Supply Management roundtable debate.

Cost cutting – surely we should be done with it by now?

Guy Strafford, Chief Client Officer at Proxima offers insight and opinion into cost-cutting and companies stepping up the pain.

Redefining Procurement (Part 1of 3)

Procurement as an indispensable, strategic partner of the business - but how far off are we? The Redefining Procurement Series is a 3 part series.

TOP TEN: Optimal Procurement Outsourcing

Procurement outsourcing, which has been predicted for many years to take off, is finally moving into the mainstream. More and more large organisations are waking up to the fact that significant improvements to the bottom line are possible through improved management of non-core or indirect expenditure (otherwise known as GNFR in the retail sector). As top-line growth is hard to come by in the current economic climate, the opportunity is simply too good to ignore. Read the top ten tips to consider when embarking on your procurement BPO journey.

Indirect procurement is ‘a sexy place to be’

This is the view of Rachael Stormonth, senior vice president at outsourcing analyst NelsonHall, who made her comments during a webinar hosted by procurement outsourcing provider Proxima. The online presentation examined the results of a survey of 120 CFOs and CPOs. Only 47 per cent of those polled expressed high satisfaction with the management of indirect spend in their organisation.

Outsourcing: Debunking the myths and unveiling the realities

Proxima explains that there are firmly entrenched misconceptions that surround outsourcing, and they are holding many companies back from maximising the potential benefits from this fundamentally important tool.

Investment in the future

While investment banking has been somewhat off limits to purchasing professionals, applying procurement disciplines to this area can add significant value to a business. Guy Strafford, Chief Client Officer explains how to get involved

Proxima named one of "Britain's Brightest Businesses"

Proxima is proud to be named in the Telegraph 1000: Britain's Brightest Businesses. It is a celebration of the 1,000 mid-sized companies which have weathered the economic storm and are set to be the foundation of the UK's recovery

Analysis: Procuring digital media services poses pitfalls for the unwary

Daniel Jeffries, Marketing Category Director at Proxima provides his insight into this article which looks at Marketing Firms who are ignorant about how these tools work, and how much they should cost, is landing them with duff deals.

Spend Matters Procurement Outsourcing (4 part series)

Procurement Outsourcing is higher on the agenda than ever, but what has changed is the emergence of different models for procurement outsourcing. Proxima shares perspective and insight towards Spend Matters Procurement Outsourcing series

Outsourcing’s role in procurement’s journey towards the heart of business

Tom Lawrence (Strategy and Communications Director) & Chris Gayner (Head of Marketing) at Proxima give a high level glimpse into the journey procurement is embarking on in today's business - and the role outsourcing will play.

Demystifying outsourcing

Guy Strafford, Chief Client Director at Proxima explains for such a widely adopted business process, outsourcing is often misunderstood. Many business professionals are failing to appreciate the potential benefits.

Proservartner Point of View

Proxima signs outsourcing contract with BG Group

Ten secrets of a happy supplier marriage

Relationships between retailers and suppliers are always sensitive and when difficult times are jeopardising the chance of harmony, it could be time for a little marriage guidance.

A CFO’s Guide to Cost Saving Opportunities in Procurement

At a time when CFOs are taking ever greater responsibility for their procurement functions, it is vital to be aware of the related challenges and opportunities.

The changing world of procurement

From back office to boardroom, how procurement has become a major topic for directors.

Ones to Watch

The Outsourcing Yearbook has put Proxima forward as One-to-Watch going into 2011 - having demonstrated great potential and excellence in the industry.

A New Deal?

New government procurement rules are designed to open up public sector work to smaller suppliers. Christian Doherty takes a look at how they will affect research agencies.

Bank charges should face procurement’s scrutiny

The amount paid to bankers will continue to be a hot topic while we wait for more of the banks to report their 2010 results. But less time is spent on why investment banks in particular continue to be able to pay large bonuses, and the implications for UK and global plc

Print Procurement - Tips and Advise on 'Getting the Best Deal'

A deal that looks good on paper

Be Quick or Dead

As supply chains get longer and more complex, how can companies mitigate risk and drive competitive advantage? Omera Khan, Imran Khan and Ron Jarman make the case for 'design centric' business

Spend Your Way Through Economic Downturn

How Effective Procurement Can Deliver Better Business

Time to give SMEs a chance?

Prime Minister David Cameron recently promised to increase the government’s network of suppliers from the SME community. So what are the possible benefits and drawbacks of this new approach?

Gaining an Edge - Q&A with Matthew Eatough, CEO at Proxima

Matthew Eatough has a long-term interest in making businesses more profitable. In the early 1990s, he turned around and sold a leveraged buy-out, and in the process, he found that one of the key levers of success in the company’s transformation was better buying. Matthew decided to take this and make a business of it: Proxima, the UK’s leading procurement specialist and outsourcer, is the result. Here he shares some of the benefits of his experience.

The Power of Procurement

What is the REAL value procurement can provide to the wider business

Sign of the Times

Claire Rowley, Travel Category Specialist, Proxima joined 5 other industry pundits in December to gaze into the proverbial crystal ball and discuss what the next 12 months may bring to the business travel industry (Page 14 - 15).

Loyalty pays... or does it

Simon Kidd, Travel Category Specialist, Proxima discusses the merit in suppliers marketing loyalty schemes to travellers in a marketplace that is now overwhelmingly price-driven? (Page 18 - 19)

Debate: No Room at the Inn

With the London Olympics set to swell hotel occupancy in the capital, will corporates be left fighting for the leftovers when summer 2012 arrives?

A Hotbed of Talent

Tom Lawrence, Proxima’s People Director, has been asked by Supply Management to comment on the opportunities that procurement offers to aspiring candidates. The leading professionals from each sector contribute in the article of the latest article.

Efficiency drive opens the door to specialists

Pressures on public spending combined with the national procurement agency Buying Solutions are creating opportunities for niche firms - in consortia such as the Moorhouse Consortium.

Budget 2010 - £15bn more public sector contracts for the SME sector

Chancellor Alistair Darling has presented the last Budget of the current administration, outlining a range of attempts by the Government to balance the nation's books but stimulate the fragile economy.

Services spend an antidote to continued economic gloom

The economic prognosis has changed: a U-shaped economic recovery from recession now seems rather less likely. And as firms once more focus on cost reduction in order to maintain profitability -- or stem losses -- the spotlight is shining on the opportunity offered by the improved procurement of services.

Supplier Relations and Technology within the Telecommunications Market

As the Telecommunications market becomes more complicated, buyers face issues of technology, supplier relations and even 'BlackBerry' envy

Analysis: Making the most of marketing spend

Time and again the story is one of marketing fighting the so-called bean counters in procurement to protect their creative spend. But there's more to it than that.

35 under 35 - Supply Management

Proxima's Engagement Manager, Martin Lee, is featured as the young rising star in procurement, in the latest special article of Supply Management.

Reducing printing and paper budgets through Managed Services

The hidden costs of printing in the digital age

Budget 2009

Thousands of public sector jobs at risk

Change of Fortune

Now could be the time to re-evaluate outsourcing contracts

Public Sector Efficiency targets - Outsourcings angel or demon

The UK chancellor announced £15 billion of efficiency savings to be made over the next three years. For organisations such as the NHS, MOD and HMRC, notorious for haemorrhaging money, this announcement will have significantly increased the weight on managerial shoulders.

Helping Companies Buy Better

Most people don’t negotiate or buy particularly well. If they did, Tiffany’s wouldn’t exist.

Charity Begins at Home - Procurement Within Charities

For third sector organisations, every penny counts. So why don’t more have dedicated purchasing departments?

Dial 'e' for Auction

Battering down suppliers on price migh mean an e-auction is a winning option in the short term, but what of the longer term cost?

Better Buying - Key mistakes and biggest wins when it comes to purchasing

Mistakes and benefits of buying smarter

The Price is Right...or is it? Pros and Cons of Best buy Deals vs Negotiated rates

Pros and Cons of Best buy Deals vs Negotiated rates - Business Travel Mag

Measuring Productivity - Why it’s time for timesheets

Insight into measuring how long a particular task takes

Procurement at the Board - Selling Professional Services to Board Members

Lawyers, accountants and consultants are expert at building close ties with board members and avoiding professional buyers. Guy Strafford and Graham Yeatman explain how to get among the big players