event sponsored by:

grafton merchanting gb

 

Download an agenda for the event.

 

 

Annual members' forum

PfH's Annual Members's Forum, sponsored by Grafton Group, took place at the Custard Factory in Birmingham on Thursday 26 March 2009.

In addition to a reporting session on our last financial year and a strategic look forward to what we'll be up to in the coming year, we hosted an interactive session focusing on 'Procurement in Challenging Times'.

In the past, Members have told us they wanted a platform for debate during the Annual Members' Forum. We were happy to oblige and this year we hosted an interactive round table event inviting Members to discuss topics related to ‘Making procurement work in challenging times'.

Discussion themes asked how the current economic climate is:

  • Putting on the pressure to reduce costs at the expense of other procurement criteria

  • Affecting environmental sustainability objectives

  • Impacting the supply chain risk

  • Changing your use of SME suppliers?

Members had the opportunity to discuss one of these topics in a small group. The results of the discussions will be summarised shortly.

What else was covered?

In addition to the interactive session, PfH Members heard how strong sustainability policies can give businesses a competitive advantage in economically challenging times.

Chris Mills, Ethical Policy Manager at The Co-operative Group explained the benefits of active CSR policies during the downturn, tying in with last year's sustainability theme and this year's focus on ‘Challenging Times.'

Alan Heron, Procurement Manager at PfH notes why The Co-operative Bank is the right organisation to talk on this topic. "The Co-operative Bank is highly regarded as socially and environmentally responsible and we are keen to work with suppliers that have robust sustainability policies and give them a platform to spread the sustainability message amongst our Members."

Brian Cronin, Group Chief Executive, Arena Housing Group and Chair of PfH Advisory Committee delivered the opening address of the Annual Members' Forum followed by a presentation on PfH's Annual Report by Julie Craig, Director, PfH. A panel of reprentatives from the PfH Advisory Committee were on hand to answer any questions.

Paul Kennedy, Chief Executive, CEL announced the Advisory Committee election results and then the interactive sessions began.

Download an agenda for the event.

For further information on any aspect of this event, please contact us.