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One in 10 e-business projects has been cancelled since 11 September, AMR Research’s biannual survey has revealed. Another 10 per cent of planned projects have been put on hold, although nearly half of these are likely to go ahead by the third quarter of next year.

Markettrans goes live

The Markettrans collaborative transportation marketplace is fully operational after trials with six corporate shippers. Markettrans has also formed a joint marketing alliance with logistics firm NTE to co-ordinate transportation procurement in Europe and North America. www.markettrans.com

B2B web tool improved

Anixter has upgraded the business-to-business web tool it launched earlier this year. Version 3.0 of eAnixter includes functions to conduct real-time product availability checks, ordering, allocation, confirmation and delivery status monitoring. It is also integrated with Anixter’s online catalogue. www.anixter.com

Surge in supply fraud

Instances of fraud involving payments to suppliers and contractors within the National Health Service and local government have shown a “disturbing” increase, according to a recent report by the Audit Commission.

“Fraud involving payments to suppliers and contractors is at a relatively disturbing level,” said Derek Purdy, head of anti-fraud corruption.

Awards deadline nears

There are just two weeks left for readers to enter this year’s Kelly’s Awards for Excellence in Purchasing and Supply. Now in their third year, the awards recognise innovative purchasing and supply chain projects across 11 industry sectors. Entries need to be in by 20 July. For full details, visit www.supplymanagement.com/kellys.asp, or call 020 8652 3165.

BT extranet a success

BT is to extend use of supplier extranet auctions for selling off assets after successful trials showed that the process can dramatically increase disposal revenues.

Massive savings claim

Commerce One claims that Deutsche Telekom, the largest telecommunications company in Europe, has saved 67 per cent in purchasing process costs in nine months with the software group’s e-procurement tools. By May, Deutsche Telekom had created 33,000 purchase orders involving 240,000 line items. www.commerceone.com

Effective recruitment

Q: Why is there a shortage of quality procurement people when recruiting and what can we do about it?

Traders form alliance

Eight trade associations have formed an alliance to voice cross-sector manufacturing industry concerns. The Engineering and Machinery Alliance will represent engineering, production machinery, components and tooling manufacturing bodies. Member associations include the British Plastics Federation and the Metal Trades Confederation.

Finance prospects poor

Financial services companies are expected to cut staff and investment this year, especially in IT and marketing.