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Q: Having completed the CIPS graduate diploma last year after years of evening classes, I am unsure about its academic level. Like other recent graduates, I have received a letter offering a conversion to an MSc in procurement that can be undertaken, pa

Boost for MarketSite

High street retailer The Boots Company and telecommunications giant BT both signed to e-commerce service BT MarketSite last month.

Award for excellence

A new award scheme for purchasing professionals is being launched next week. The Kelly’s Award for Excellence in Purchasing and Supply has been set up by Kelly’s Directories, publisher of industrial directories for buyers and specifiers. It is being organised in association with CIPS and Visa Purchasing.

UK buyers lag behind

The UK’s purchasing managers are trailing behind their counterparts in Germany, France and Belgium in their performance, according to the most comprehensive study of European purchasing managers to date.

First SVQ at level 4

The first person to be awarded a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) level 4 in procurement is Ann Smith, procurement and contracts advisor for Scottish Hydro-Electric (now Scottish & Southern Energy).

Renault to cut costs

Renault, the French automotive group, has outlined a £3 billion cost-cutting plan. Louis Schweitzer, the company’s chairman, said that the programme would include £1.53 billion of savings from purchasing.

Small firms ‘unhappy’

Small businesses are unimpressed with government support services, according to a survey by Strathclyde University for the Federation of Small Businesses. The report, based on 22,000 replies from business, found that only 8 per cent of companies were satisfied with government business support services, with 7 per cent satisfied with local council support.

CAP's crowning glory

Competition in purchasing services for the healthcare industry has intensified with the launch of a joint venture between the Crown Agents and Belmin Purchasing Systems.

Wages up in services

Fee policy abolished

Construction company Alfred McAlpine has announced plans to abolish its policy of holding back 5 per of fees from subcontractors to cover extra costs. The industry-backed Construction Liaison group is campaigning against the policy. The announcement is part of a drive to raise standards.