Retail & Consumer Archives

In the News: Smarter and Leaner: How the Zero-Based Approach is Unlocking Up to 50% in Procurement Savings

In our latest article, we explore how zero-based approaches, and zero-based spend in particular, is unlocking savings of up to 50% in indirect costs for procurement leaders, providing practical strategies for smarter demand management and therefore rethinking what's bought, why it's needed, and how much is truly required.

Cut Smarter, Spend Better: How Zero-Based-Everything Redefines Procurement Efficiency

In today’s economic reality, traditional strategies like incremental savings or across-the-board reductions are just too slow, too blunt, and too superficial to cope with these pressures. Simply put: leaders can no longer rely on yesterday’s budgets or blanket reductions to solve today’s challenges. To thrive, businesses need a smarter, faster approach - one that delivers impact quickly and aligns every...

In the News: The Future of Europe’s Food & Drink Industry: What challenges and opportunities await in 2025?

Pete Hatfield, Director at 4C featured in Food Navigator’s latest article where he explores key trends and challenges shaping the sector in 2025

In the News: The Hospitality Landscape is Shifting: Are you Ready?

Labour’s new policies are set to significantly impact the hospitality and leisure sectors. In Katie Deem’s latest article for CLH News, she discusses how businesses can navigate these changes.

2025 Procurement Predictions Featuring our Experts

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

Software Asset Management: Cost Savings & Beyond

At its core, Software Asset Management is about more than just keeping track of your licensing estate. Think of it as an efficient and clinical software inventory of an organisation, uncovering hidden inefficiencies and ensuring every software asset is used to its fullest potential.

In the News: 5 Strategies for Retailers and Manufacturers to Maximise Profits over the Festive Period

Read 4C Director Pete Hatfield’s most recent article for Food Manufacture where he gives his top tips to supercharge your sales over the festive period. Pete shares expert advice on how to navigate the holiday rush, optimise operations, and boost your bottom line.

Procurement’s Role in Supporting Innovation and Agility: Moving Beyond Traditional Boundaries

6 Practical Strategies to Break Down Silos in Consumer Products Businesses

In today’s consumer products industry, achieving effective cross-functional collaboration is essential. Silos between manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement departments create inefficiencies, limit innovation, and erode trust across an organisation. Breaking down these silos can unlock agility, promote end-to-end efficiency, and foster resilience, driving better outcomes for both the business and its customers. Based on insights from 4C Associates’ recent...

In The News: The Human Factor: The Missing Piece in Successful AI Procurement

In Joe Gibson’s recent article for The CFO, "The Human Factor: Navigating the Challenges of AI adoption in procurement," he explores the critical role of humans in navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of AI in procurement.

In the News: The Shifting Sands of Shopping

Our Head of Consumer Products, Katy Gallagher featured in November’s issue of FMCG CEO Magazine where she talks about changing consumer preferences in food and beverage.

Podcast: The Secrets to Effective Procurement in Competitive Markets

Our MD, Jeremy Smith joined Higgle: The B2B Sales Club Podcast to unlock the secrets of effective procurement in today’s competitive landscape.

Women in IT’s Advocate of the Year award nomination

We were delighted to see our Partner, Kelly Archer nominated for Women in IT’s Advocate of the Year award this week. She continued her great work by speaking to 4C’s Women’s Network about her career and sharing lessons learned along the way.

Key Takeaways from DPW 2024

Digital Procurement World (DPW) provided opportunity to discuss the pressing challenges facing businesses today. From escalating geopolitical tensions to the rapid advancements of AI and the complexities of IT contracts, the landscape is changing rapidly. Here are our key takeaways.

Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Idiocracy?

Our Partner, Kelly Archer and IT Expert and Director, Joe Gibson explored what sets good and bad AI technology apart in the procurement space in CPO Strategy’s Spotlight story.