Q: I am interested in moving into e-procurement but, at the moment, most companies seem to lack confidence and are not using it. Several providers have gone to the wall and many others, I am sure, will follow. Is there any job security in it and, if so, w

Bryan Jones explains the role of automated warehousing within supply chain management and how organisations can gain competitive advantage via improved service and lower costs

Services group Rentokil Initial has come under fire for its controversial stance on late payment of suppliers. A survey by the Forum of Private Business launched last week showed that nearly 80 per cent of small firms want to see Sir Clive Thompson, chief executive of Rentokil Initial, resign as head of the Confederation of British Industry.

Local government buying group the Consortium for Purchasing and Distribution (CPD) has signed a distribution and warehousing deal with online education portal Schoolsnet.com. The Schoolsnet site offers library information, news, sport, homework and revision and help for teachers. The CPD was founded in 1971 and underwent a management buyout in 1995.