Financial Services Archives - Page 2 of 4

The Generation Game

The workplace environment is changing and our expectations of each other, our services, products and suppliers with it. As the generational mix of workers starts to evolve towards those born into a technology enabled world, what does that mean for our working relationships?

Podcast: The Opportunities & Challenges of Growth

4C Associates' Managing Director, Jeremy Smith and Senior Manager Joanne Davies spoke to Tarka Talent about how we work alongside our clients to deliver practical, sustainable solutions even in the most challenging circumstances.

Analogue to Algorithm: Pioneering Change in a Digital Frontier

Delve into the importance of change in the procurement domain, how diverse approaches to change management can impact outcomes and how a harmonious blend of change management principles and technology can drive successful transformation.

Is Security of Supply Possible in Deflationary Supply Markets?

Falling prices can boost your bottom line, but can you secure supply in a deflationary market? This blog explores the challenges and opportunities of deflationary supply chains. Discover strategies for leveraging cost reductions while maintaining security.

Glide Paths for Sustainable Growth: Our Takeaways from the WPC

Our MD, Jeremy Smith recently attended World Procurement Congress. The event brough together over 800 procurement leaders and provided a great opportunity to delve into the pressing retail and consumer challenges that a lot of our clients are facing. Read his key takeaways.

Lost Without a Map?

Companies across all industries are facing an existential choice: transform or die. The proliferation of technologies; AI, automation, big data, and the cloud are rapidly reshaping how businesses operate and deliver value. Embracing these innovations is no longer a matter of competitive edge but a prerequisite for survival in an era of accelerated digital transformation. However, achieving true digital...

News: 4C Associates and Zip join forces to revolutionise procurement

Zip’s 25 Procurement Predictions for 2025 include insights from leaders of our Digital team, Mark Ellis and Joe Gibson. The comprehensive, forward-thinking guide, shaped by insights from 25 leading voices, dives into critical industry trends, challenges and opportunities

In the News: The Evolution and Future of E-Procurement Software

Head of Digital Innovation Joe Gibson spoke to Procurement Magazine this month about the opportunities technology advances including AI bring to the commercial function.

In the News: Can AI protect our supply chains from the climate crisis?

Robin Agarwal, 4C's Head of Operations featured in this month’s SupplyChain Strategy magazine, sharing insights into how AI can help solve the challenges climate changes are making to supply chain forecasting and how it can help identify and manage risk.

Money in One Hand, Money Out the Other – Cash Choreography

With fluctuating inflation, energy costs and shifting consumer demand, 2024 will be an unusually turbulent economic climate; compressing working capital cycles by optimising the time between paying suppliers and collecting from customers will be vital for companies to maximise liquidity and build resilience no matter which direction markets trend. Forward-thinking companies now take a platform approach to connect O2C and...

Do you have a secure supply chain? How well do you really know your suppliers?

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of a secure and resilient supply chain cannot be overstated. Our 4C Transformative Procurement Survey highlighted that only 38% of respondent had a very good understanding of their first-tier supply base and more worryingly only 21% had only a basic understanding- which raised the question… Do you have a...

Mastering the Robot …. Automate > Innovate > Elevate

The modern business landscape where efficiency and productivity are paramount demands that organisations evolve quickly to survive. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a key tool in this quest, allowing for the rapid automation of repetitive tasks that were once performed by humans. But what is RPA and how might it transform procurement?

The Blockchain Revolution: Cutting Through the Chain of Uncertainty

In a world where transparency is of utmost importance, trust is the most valuable currency, and middlemen are becoming obsolete. It may seem utopian, but it’s happening now, and all sector and industry leaders are quickly adopting it. Blockchain is here.

Environmental Commitments and Cost Efficiency: One or the Other, or the Best of Both?

Environmental Commitments and Cost Efficiency: One or the Other, or the Best of Both? Find out how to align your cost reduction and environmental commitments with practical tips and real-life examples. Read on and discover how to make your business more sustainable and profitable.

Aligned with Success: Why a Fully Developed Procurement Vision and Strategy Could be Your Key to Growth

Our research in the Transformative Procurement Survey demonstrated that only 6% of organisations had a developed procurement vision and strategy which was fully aligned to all short and long-term business objectives. This may seem alarmingly low, but when you separate functional objectives from those specific to the business, think about your business – do you actually have procurement functional...