Category expertise
We pride ourselves on the depth and breadth of our category knowledge and expertise. Our 'Category Expertise Programme' ensures that we continue to build and strengthen our capabilities on an ongoing basis: categories and their characteristics don't stand still and neither do we.
The Category Expertise Programme contains a number of core components:
Category expert recruitment - from the outset we look for candidates who can demonstrate knowledge and exceptional expertise in one or a number of categories.
Benchmarking - 4C conduct some of the UK's largest ongoing benchmarking studies across both the public and private sectors and so have access to a wide range of up-to-date pricing in most spend areas. In addition we carry out numerous bespoke benchmarking projects for our clients to ensure they are able to understand and access the most competitive pricing for their individual requirements.
Structure - in categories where 4C carries out transactional buying on behalf of our clients (e.g. promotional items, branded merchandise, packaging, workwear, goods not for resale) the team is structured into specialist buying teams with a 'category leader' at the head of each one.
Category development - a structured development path along which employees develop their knowledge, are measured on it and are recognised for it. The development can begin at the Category Support level and eventually can lead up to the level of Category Director.
Category workshops - team knowledge-share days are held which focus on a specific category, to share and build upon the latest thinking and technology.
Category-based innovation award - a regular team prize that rewards category-based innovation from our own experts.