Procurement Says No

Rich and Ed have another special guest - Shone Richardson - and we're talking total global turmoil and meltdown - including tariffs and their impact for US procurement; whether war with Canada is the answer (or at least stealing their timber); if an SUV is sufficient to run products across the Mexican border into the US; and if you should route all your Chinese imports via the UK with a "Made in UK" sticker.And loads of questions from the virtual postbag - on suppliers in administration who've already taken your cash; using AI to create specifications and contract comparisons; renewing design software contracts and when to use an IT reseller.  And lots of news, including the EU's "SAFE" financial procurement instrument for defence procurement; more on tariffs; Alchemie Network hits 5000 people; something on UK Government crime procurement we don't understand, and the new "Procurement Says No" website created from old bits of AI.And remember to put your order in for a "Procurement Says No" t-shirt - at all good ebays.So much excitement in 40 minutes of podcast fun.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed do much pondering of all sorts of unintended consequences in the latest episode of Nicaragua's favourite business-based podcast - including the impact of tariffs on everything; pensioner job shares; Rachel Reeve's CV; even beavers and bees.We've also got lots of stats on just how well PSN is doing; news about Europe's continuing love affair with Russian gas; and....yes....news from CIPS...who are so hot they're on fire (not literally).All this and an extended "Ask Rich & Ed" where you will find answers to these tricky questions (which now have bullet points because they are so professional):Is everything negotiable - even death and taxes?What strategy should everyone else in the world use to deal with President Trump and his love of tariffs?How to get the best deal on a holiday (well, summer's coming in the Northern hemisphere!).How to negotiate with new and used car salespeople....and how best to get your kitchen refurbished...Yes, Rich and Ed are now offering consumer advice and it's still all as cheap as crisps. And don't forget - you can buy a lovely "Procurement Says No" T-shirt at all the best Ebay platforms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed said they'd never do politics but have a load of political news about the possible impact of US tariffs and looming recession (d'oh); a lack of news on the UK Public Procurement Act (which we'll take as good news); dull news about UK National Procurement Policy Statement; and finally some news from CIPS (yippee).And we have a special guest star from Zip - who we've been stalking for over a year and finally got to meet at ProcureCon in Vegas - Joe Piazza - who explains intake and orchestration, the lowest common denominator and how to make it easy to buy stuff!Plus a load of questions for Ask Rich & Ed - including what to do when you interview a candidate who is clearly better than you; whether rebates are ever a good thing; what to do if your procurement department is being taken over; the old centralisation vs decentralisation thing again; and what exactly is the span of responsibility for procurement folk?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed are in their final day at ProcureCon Las Vegas - and have now put everything on red and lost it all.   But luckily we ran in Subu Rao from Discover Dollar who not only gave a great explanation of how AI can help procurement find those missing dollars, but he also subbed us 10 bucks to put on black.And we talk to Cheron Lessmeister from CIPS Americas who is tasked with developing the CIPS offering for the American market - from Canada through the US, the Caribbean and right down to Chile and Argentina!    And it turns out that all British Procurement people have NOT had personal training from the Royal Family, despite their MCIPS Chartered status. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed continue to be bamboozled by intake to procure and orchestration - so much so that they've found more guest stars to try to explain it all.    And this time....well....We speak to Michael (never Mike) Shields from Tropic and Sean Warren from Opstream.  Michael tells us how a procurement person turns sales person (Prosalesment) to further the cause of intelligent spend management, and Sean suggests R2D2 was soooo much better than C3PO as an agent of AI.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed literally woke up in Vegas to the excitement of ProcureCon West Indirect!    In the first of three sort-of-mini episodes, they get to grips with agentic AI and Orchestration Schmorchestration...we have no idea what this means, but luckily our guests Mike Pierson from Tonkean and Niyata Chhaya from Hyperbots do!!So listen up and learn.     Are you going to put the dollars on red or black????Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed have an assortment of exciting news - including Procurecon in Las Vegas, "Procurement Says No" Merch (available in all of the colours and sizes almost) and our new spin-off podcast "Ask Rich & Ed" (available on all good pod places).Plus a survey from the Cheetah Research Institute all about the uptake of AI in procurement - it's happening - slowly; priorities for Supply Chain leaders in '25 from CAPS; and a whole range of tech vendors splurging with webinars!     We do love a webinar.This is a short but perfectly formed mini episode - so you've plenty of time to listen to it - down load it now! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed discover all there is to know about hosting your very own Procurement Event - with special guest stars Frank Musero and Michael Dunlap of ProcureCon; which only happens to be one of the biggest organisers of global procurement events!We ask Frank and Mike - what is ProcureCon all about; how many events do they hold; how long these things take to organise; how do they deal with terrible speakers and drop outs; what's in it for sponsors; and most importantly, what's in it for you, dear listener; and whether Taylor Swift or Guns 'n' Roses are playing ?   And how crazy does it get when things go wrong (and right!).Plus we've got news about Trump's tariffs from Columbia and Ericsson (who managed to predict this at least 2 years ago); no news as usual from CIPS (and a plan to fix it)...and a whole new world of agentic AI which is coming soon.   All this and DeepSeek - or is that SkyNet - and setting fire to the sky (again).And where exactly is Eswatini and where else has the world's top Procurement podcast been downloaded this month?Wherever you are, you know what to do - click the link!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Your favorite procurement podcast is hosted by Alex Jennings on the Alchemie Network's livestream event.Ed and Rich muse on what we should expect in the world of procurement in 2025, as well as also looking back at what we said this time last year.   Were we right about near shoring, the continuing focus on risk and cost reduction, the slow march of AI, procurement tech continuing to lag, and a lack of available talent beginning to hit recruitment??? And what are our predictions for 2025 – more AI, more tech, more risk, war, flood, famine, recession and tariffs - and that's just the positive stuff. What would Nostradamus think??   Perhaps, a new mysterious leader will come from the sea and form an aquatic empire. Oh, and a massive asteroid is going to come close to hitting the Earth.  Yep.We also talk about ProcureCon, PSN merch and some amazing thought leadership coming soon.And you can even see video of us recording this one on the Alchemie Network - join up, it's as cheap as crisps...https://www.alchemienetwork.com/spaces/13204286/contentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed bring you Christmas cheer with their 12 Days of Procurement - as they count the days and suggest things you should be doing - like sorting 12 unpaid invoices, approving 10 requistions, unsticking 9 contracts stuck in legal, reading 6 Linked-In lists, defining 3 definitions of ESG and a releasing  tender on Christmas eve...you get the picture.  Listen to find out the whole 12 days!   And will Ed uncover what exactly the Apostles' Creed is all about? Plus news from VW and L'Oreal on batteries and decarbonisation, more news on our collabs with ProcureCon and Alchemie and we celebrate new listeners in the Czech Republic, Lesotho, Armenia, Papua New Guinea and, er, Russia.And shocking news that AI will wipe out 80% of Procurement people.  Possibly. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed meet a real life salesperson, Meir Ziskin, who is an expert in automation and robotics sales.  Mier will be answering all those salesy questions such as what makes a good salesperson; what does he really think of procurement people; how to stop “tyre kickers”; what does sales want from procurement; can salespeople be a buyer's friend; do competing sales organisations really talk to each other about tenders, margins and whether to bid; what's the hardest sell; and how to sell a pen. Plus we have news from the world of procurement; our views on the US election (Make Procurement Great Again) and its possible impact on tariffs and pricing; CIPS stats and news of their new CEO; a new procurement on-line cult; and how Procurement Says No seems to be ideal holiday listening all around the world.Have a listen and you'll also find out whether two humps are better than one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed explore the murky world of recruitment and provide their top tips whether you are interviewing or being interviewed.   Should you “be yourself” or perhaps someone else; should you wear a pointy hat; what's the worst question to ask in an interview - and how to answer it; should you be passive or aggressive or passive aggressive; when should you walk out of an interview and run, never looking back; what is an EVP anyway?And why do some sectors only recruit from within their own sector (because they are bonkers or the NHS or both)?Plus lots of facts from the Cheetah Research Institute on recruitment and pay in procurement.And news from the crazy world of procurement.  You'll love it, or your money back. Get your CV polished and have a listen.   Who knows, by the end of it you may have a new job.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed explore the strange and wonderful world of Public Procurement with the Procurement Act 2023.  We are “deep diving” into what it's all about with special guests Graeme Hunter and Verity White and asking questions such as: What is it and why?What are the differences compared with PCR 2015?Will it encourage SMEs?What's the new system going to be like?What is a Dynamic Markets process?Will it create a new best practice and does it encourage or stifle competition?  We have conclusive proof.Is there a reduction in bureaucracy or even more than ever?Is it all about to change or be postponed anyway?  We've also got a little bit of procurement news and plenty of fun and japes. It might all sound a bit heavy and technical, but don't worry because we're not. If you're a Public Procurement person in the UK – listen in and learn; and if you're not – listen in and see how lucky you are not to be a Public Procurement person.  There's so much in it that we've broken our "not more than 35 minutes" rule yet again.Some say these rules encourage fairness, prevent corruption and provide a clear audit trail; and some say they limit speed, innovation, efficiency and supplier involvement. Which side are you on?https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support

It's a collab podcast – this time we are joining forces with fellow smooth podcasters Luke Stroud and Luke Burford aka 2Lukes of Let's Talk Procurement (verified as the second best procurement-based podcast). Yes, it's PSN vs LTP.  GenX vs GenZ.  Masters vs Learners.   We discuss important matters such as: which animal would be best at procurement; how to spot “red flags” in recruiting and job ads; whether you always need a notepad; should we have merch, an Amazon mini-series and possibly the sponsorship of Tranmere Rovers?Plus: what usually goes wrong in procurement; how to “proc block”; being judged on savings alone; the most important 3 things to take into a negotiation (choose from cheese grater, bleach, knife, cocoa butter, toothpaste and others); should you negotiate with 10 buyers or 1 head of Procurement; the best negotiation tactics; and the biggest changes in procurement in the last 30 years. And: whether it's true that only 2 people have ever really wanted to go into procurement as their first choice career.It's absolutely full of advice of the sort that will get you a long way to achieving CIPS level 5.  And it's free – even cheaper than crisps this time.   Listen now on all the usual pod places.#letstalkprocurementBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed spill the beans on all the tricks of the trade in consulting and interim management.  So have a listen if you are buying them, working with them, are one or want to be one!   We are selling the consulting crown jewels for nothing by answering questions from our listeners around the world - when to use an interim vs a consultant; boutique or Big4; what's the best part and worst part of being a consultant; whether you can bluff your way in consultancy (yes, a bit); measuring a consultant's “value add”; whether to go for a risk/gain share approach; why the big software houses don't do their own implementation; how to find an interim; and how to stop consultant firms “landing and expanding”.We've also got the news - including Procurement and Supply Chain live London, what to buy from "Alibaba Guaranteed" and of course no news at all from CIPS.As usual, it's full of advice that is as cheap as crisps.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

For our first anniversary, Rich and Ed Return to Listmania - our favourite topic of random lists for everything in procurement - including a list from someone off the internet - the 9 laws of stuff, plus 7 skills for supplier management, lists of procurement hats, 5 stages of aligned strategy, 11 trends for 2024 and a load of other hopeless predictions - including the demise of the letters C, X and Q. And we've got news - including more lists, this time of the top 10 ethical procurement companies (no we don't believe it either) with the BS thermometer of news, Dunkin's new CPO, CIPS's launch of their brand strategy, CAP's top uses for AI, and our podcast being big in Oman as well as now officially recognised as the 19th best global procurement podcast or something.We've also got some hard questions to answer from our listeners - what your 90 day plan should look like; how to save money on fleet management; when to e-auction and use Amazon for Business, and how many suppliers is the right number!You'll love it - we have a list of 9 reasons why.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Ashley Williams from Mishcon de Reya is back as we delve further into artificial intelligence and machine learning.  Will machines save us?  Will capitalism save us?  What will the world's despots do with this technology?  Is this a turtle on its back?   Will Charlie Watts really play drums on a new Whitney album?  Will lawyers and procurement people be replaced by bots?   Who's best – big companies or small companies?  What is intent prediction and will Ed go to prison for a crime he is yet to commit?  Or will we just be regulated to a higher standard (oh, that's a bit dull)?   All of these questions will be answered, sort of. And we have news of a very exciting procurement job in construction (no, really); procurement's role in creating massive plastic pollution; procurement podcast lists (we love a list); and who really cares about the top 10 ERP systems.   Plus your questions on travel sourcing and AirB&B; above the line marketing; and the best categories for big savings.Don't press the red button; press the link below instead.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed invite another super-duper special guest star to the podcast – Ashley Williams is a partner at Mishcon de Reya, specialising in all things AI, who talks to us about EU and US approaches to AI; whether your AI controlled car will kill you or random pedestrians whilst you're playing Candy Crush; data scraping; Love Island and the wonderfully broad definition of AI.  It's procurement, but it's personal.We've also got a distinct lack of news; except for a very exciting CPO conference coming up in May; the price of cocoa and eggs; some very un-bureaucratic sounding EU innovation awards and oh, CIPS again.And of course, more of your questions for “Ask Rich and Ed” – this time we ponder jumping ship into a procurement consulting role; whether to go to a procurement EXPO; what's the worst category to manage; and what's the next Procurement bandwagon you should be jumping on!Don't be scared of the future – just download Episode 13 instead.  Unlucky for some.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed have noticed that everyone is banging on about lists - so they've joined the bandwagon of creating lists about stuff.  We've got lists from Elon, PWC and, er, a Linked-In algorithm on procurement top 10 skills!   We've also got news from CEPA, WMBC and CEBI, the mystery of CIPS and CCS; and that your BEV might by spying on you. So many acronyms, so little time.And we've got loads of your questions - this time about whether TFM is good for you, UNSPSC (jeez, more acronyms); what to do when your supplier threatens to put you “on stop”; going “best of breed”; what's in vogue in procurement organisation design; and whether to make up your savings performance. All wrapped together in another specially extended edition of procurement delight.Get it now on all of the Podcasty places.  IN2P.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

We've turned it up to 11 where Rich and Ed welcome back special guest, and Procurement Guru, Peter Smith, who bangs on about Bad Buying (including the story of Fat Leonard; the Wrong Incentives); the madness of HS2; AI and replicant procurement people, and whether the world is going to end.We also discuss Apple's continuous improvement blah, blah, blah; whether you should be zigging or zagging; and buying bits for aircraft in India.And we have yet more answers for your questions - which stakeholders should you talk to; what to do if your supplier goes bust (DON'T run away) and what to do if you find you've signed up to an "in perpetuity" clause (you fool). Now that we are No9 in Uganda (as well as in the charts in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Hungary, UAE and many others) there's no better time to listen to the Premier Global Procurement Podcast thingy.Take a listen or you might find yourself lost in time, like tears in rain. Or inadvertently setting fire to the sky. It happens.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed are back with Part 1 of a special guest appearance by Procurement Guru Peter Smith, talking all things CIPs, the Procurement Act 2023, and a bit of bad buying.There's also the latest news and answers to your questions on the procurement elevator pitch (every little helps), the worst thing to say in procurement, dealing with Houthi rebels and whether to join the AI training bandwagon.All this in the #1 (almost) award winning, top charting, leading global procurement podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed have their crystal balls at the ready with some predictions for 2024. What's the focus for Procurement this year (er, apart from savings)? Will we become T-shaped commercial people? Is it centralise or decentralise this time around? Are procurement systems really getting better? Will AI finally set fire to the sky, or at least do a decent job of an RFP? We also answer your questions on whether you can be a born negotiator; how to convince others that your saving is real; whether you should go into Procurement as a career (or get out); and which of the Big4 is best. We also have disturbing news about CIPS (trouble at t'mill); yet more stats from CAPs and Cheetah; and a bonkers left-over Christmas rhyme. This is the future. The future is now. Today is yesterday's tomorrow. You get the picture.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Procurement Says No Ep 8.5 - Rich and Ed discuss more legal stuff with top barista Mark Sherwood-Edwards and his freshly ground beans - and he's particularly SAASy this time. More news - including our little podcast being big in Vietnam and Romania; bizarre news about a balloon manufacturer; why procurement people leave their companies; Whirlpool's $800m procurement saving; and just how bad payment terms have become. We find out there aren't many procurement jokes, whether to accept wine from Suppliers, and which day is best for listening to Procurement Says No. You don't want to miss it - so click the link!This is the De-Christmassed version of Episode 8 - mostly re-hashed, with a little bit of new content at the end!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Procurement Says Ho Ho Ho - it's our Christmas Special where Rich and Ed discuss more legal stuff with top barista Mark Sherwood-Edwards and his freshly ground beans - and he's particularly SAASy this time. More news - including our little podcast being big in Vietnam and Romania; bizarre news about a balloon manufacturer; why procurement people leave their companies; Whirlpool's $800m procurement saving; and just how bad payment terms have become. We find out there aren't many procurement jokes, whether to accept (mistletoe and) wine at Christmas, and which day is best for listening to Procurement Says No. All this plus Rich and Ed's favourite Christmas songs. You don't want to miss it - so click the link!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

When is a barrister better than a barista? Rich and Ed find out which coffee is best with special guest star and expert in legal things - Mark Sherwood-Edwards. We talk liabilities, warranties, and being reasonable but never consequential. And whether the Magic Circle really can pull a rabbit from a hat. Plus news from the world of procurement - including the Procurement Bill's 128 page Royal Ascent, Zip's coolbox, and lots of lists of procurement tech providers. We find the origins of Mythra, the capitals of Canada and Nicaragua, and how much to spend on expenses. And whether there are any procurement gurus anymore. So sit back, have a nice cup of barista-served coffee and enjoy more nonsense from Rich and Ed.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

How do you like your stakeholders*? Well done or medium rare? Rich and Ed talk to guest star Nick Ford about everything you ever needed to know about managing stakeholders - whether they are friends, derailers or passive aggressive. We have more news from the world of procurement; and answer important questions like: whether you should buy from the cheapest supplier; what to do if a salesperson annoys you; and do you really need a CIPS qualification? All the usual nonsense but with extra added seriousness. You can pause if it all gets too exciting and you need to pee (IN2P). *Vegan alternatives also available. Oh, stake not steak. Sorry.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Rich and Ed are back, albeit a little belatedly, with the No1 Management Podcast in Nicaragua. This time we've got news from the Apple Podcast charts which will stun and amaze; the CIPS awards (best haircut, nicest coat); why you should never ignore procurement strategy and why procurement teams aren't achieving supply chain nirvana. We've also got a post bag full of, wait for it, 5 questions from listeners around the world ("Is it ever right to punch a stakeholder?"). And extra special guest star Kate Hill talks to us about all things social value - what is it, how do you measure it, why should you care..? Plus the usual japes and stupidity in an altogether lovely podcast. There's so much in it we've broken our own rule of "never, ever over 30 minutes"...again. Enjoy it, it's still as cheap as crisps.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Procurement Says No Episode 4 is our magnum opus – an extended concept album of procurement nonsense. We discuss tools and techniques in procurement, Ed turns his back on the procurement community; and we talk about Kraljic, Van Wheel, and even come up with a sixth force (or sic forth) for Michael Porter. We're also talking about negotiation – some good ones and mostly bad ones. And providing advice on how to avoid your lies being spotted. Fly lie, fly. We even invent some new acronyms along the way (IN2P, TSMA), and discover that procurement won WW2. All this knowledge, all this drivel, in a specially elongated 40 minute podcast which is still as cheap as crisps.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Procurement Says No Episode 3. ESG is definitely for you and me. Does everyone think so? Rich and Ed have more news from the world of procurement and this time they are providing their unique insight into the world of ESG (give me an "E"); they talk about how to love your suppliers; and also give advice on being a great boss (yes, the jury's still out). Beware the shiny suited salesman and don't get all serious on me! Let's get into Apple's Top 18 Management related Podcasts! Download it now and share, share, share.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

The difficult second episode. The Rise of the Machines. Rich and Ed talk more brilliant procurement nonsense. Featuring: In the news. Is anything new in procurement? Why is procurement technology adoption so crap? Will AI wipe out procurement? It turns out there is a lot to learn from "The Terminator". Includes name checks for Zip, Market Dojo, Globality, Ariba, Coupa, Per Angusta, oh, and CIPS. Definitely worth more than 20 sheckles. Download it now - it's as cheap as crisps.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Episode 1. Our first episode of a slightly irreverent look at the world of procurement - featuring: In the news. Public procurement - any good? Is it procurement or purchasing or buying and who cares? Are procurement people born or are they made in a lab? Should procurement be at the top table? Newly remixed and remastered to improve the sound quality!Rich and Ed.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.