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The UK R&D Scoreboard 1999_3
This is the seventh year that the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has published the UK R&D Scoreboard (available free from the DTI’s innovation department on 020 7215 1994). Buyers should, at the least, be aware of its existence, especially those involved in purchasing leading-edge technology.
MoD opens doors in Bristol_3


The Bristol home of the MoD’s Defence Procurement Agency will open to the public on 11 September. The £254 million Abbey Wood headquarters has won several landscaping and design awards since the 98-acre site opened in 1996. Sir Robert Walmsley, chief of defence procurement, said that, based on the success of last year’s first-ever open day, the event was likely to be popular.
Draft e-com bill published_3

Suppliers not hard done by_3
The focus in the car industry may be cost, but it does not mean partnerships are being ignored, says Rob Johnson
Equity alliances for Mazda_3


Mazda, the Japanese car-maker, is encouraging its suppliers to enter equity alliances with foreign component makers. The group is to begin weeding out its supplier base and wants its parts makers to meet international standards in areas including cost and technology. James Miller, Mazda president, said relationships with global parts groups would be formed within six months.
Guidelines needed for IPTs_3


While aerospace buyers and suppliers have recognised the benefits of integrated project teams (IPTs), many are being put off by difficulties in implementation, industry experts have warned. Rob Crook, chair of the steering committee of Supply Chain Relationships in Aerospace (Scria), said a lack of generic guidelines was part of the problem.
Service rated top priority_3


Customer service is seen as the most influential factor in differentiating between suppliers, according to a survey by the software manufacturer Symix. Product quality is judged the most influential factor by just 6 per cent of the 50 manufacturing respondents, while the ability to deliver on time is picked by 26 per cent.
Work is where the heart is_3


Almost half of all business people believe emotions play a major role in purchasing decisions. A survey by purchasing card specialist Cendant Business Partners in conjunction with the Institute of Directors found that,out of a total of 360 decision-makers in a variety of business sectors, 45 per cent said that both emotion and logic influenced their choices.
Contractors ignoring advice_3


Top contractors are still accepting the cheapest tenders and neglecting partnering and long-term relationships, according to recent research.
Health and Safety Executive_3


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