Our News And Insights | 4C Associates

The Case for Change: Procurement Annual Report 2023

In last years’ Procurement Annual Survey we discussed the unprecedented procurement and supply chain challenges facing organisations and provided a series of recommendations on how to reimagine and to reinvent procurement for the future. Whilst supply chain resilience issues caused by the pandemic linger, other challenges have emerged with recent political and macroeconomic events significantly impacting energy and input...

From Challenge to Opportunity: Transformative Procurement Annual Survey Report 2025

Discover how procurement leaders are turning challenges into opportunities in the 2025 Transformative Procurement Annual Survey Report. Benchmark your maturity, unlock up to £11.6m in savings, and drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability. Download now.

Delivering Change That Sticks: How Programme Assurance Drives Real Results

Transformation is vital—but with ambitious goals, tight deadlines, and complex execution, it’s fraught with risk. In our latest blog, we explore how Programme Assurance empowers leaders to maintain control and deliver with confidence.

In the News: Young MCA: Day in the Life of a Young Consultant

Ever wondered what a typical day for a young consultant entails? From working on sustainable procurement strategies to leveraging AI for faster, smarter decision-making, Lauren Carter shares her daily experiences on the Young MCA News channel.

In The News: You Just Secured $50 Million. Now On To The Hard Part: Clinical Trials

Launching clinical trials is complex. Early-stage biotech's often lack the sourcing expertise needed to select CROs, manage contracts, and control costs. Without a structured approach, inefficiencies and risks can derail progress. This article highlights common pitfalls and shows how early involvement of sourcing professionals can streamline operations, improve oversight, and protect your investment.

Exploring with DORA – Why You Can’t Afford Not To!

Our latest article explores the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), breaking down who it applies to, what the core focus areas are, and how it helps organisations strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and remain regulatory-ready in today’s digital-first landscape.

How Resilient Are Your Cyber Security Measures

A recent string of cyber-attacks on major UK retailers has disrupted operations and damaged customer trust. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger cyber resilience, third-party risk oversight, and secure digital infrastructure across the retail sector. So how can this be achieved?

Why “Training” Your Talent Fails

Traditional training models are no longer fit for purpose. Drawing from Bruner’s learning theories, we explore how cyclical, scaffolded, and evolving development strategies are essential for building future-ready talent.

Across the Channel: Shelf Edition – UK vs NL Store Layout Face-Off!

In the latest Across the Channel instalment, our retail experts compare UK and Dutch supermarket shelf layouts, revealing how vertical brand blocking and promotional zones in the UK contrast sharply with category-focused groupings, compact layouts, and smart ESL use in the Netherlands.

In The News: What are the Biggest Challenges of AI Integration in Procurement

AI is transforming procurement, but challenges remain. In CPO strategy, Joe Gibson of 4C Associates highlights why culture and data quality are key to successful AI adoption.

Procurement is Taking Centre Stage in The UK’s New Defence Strategy

Procurement is becoming a driving force in the UK’s national security strategy. Following the Strategic Defence Review “Making Britain Safer: Secure at Home, Strong Abroad”, a new era of agile, segmented contracting and innovation-focused partnerships is underway. With tailored procurement cycles, SME engagement, and a push for digital and sustainable transformation, the defence sector is set for significant change.

How Nuclear Innovation is Reshaping the Global Energy Landscape

As the global population grows and net-zero deadlines approach, nuclear energy is undergoing a profound transformation. Innovation, collaboration, and urgency are driving the next generation of clean, scalable, and resilient nuclear power solutions - read our blog to find out more.

Business vs. Functional Strategy: What’s the Real Difference & Why It Matters

Organisations with high business and functional alignment grow revenue 58% faster and are 72% more profitable than their peers. The difference isn’t just semantic, it’s strategic. We break down: what business strategy really means, how functional strategy brings it to life, why alignment between the two is critical for growth, and the role of senior leaders in making it...

Driving Procurement Excellence in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

Procurement is no longer just about cutting costs. In today’s rapidly shifting economy it’s becoming a strategic enabler of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. This article shares powerful insights on how procurement leaders can evolve their approach: from embracing imperfection in tech adoption to developing a healthier appetite for risk and rethinking what KPIs truly matter.

Culture as Capital: How Culture Management Drives Value Creation

Companies with strong cultures are 1.5x more likely to achieve over 15% revenue growth (Oxford Economics). Why? Because culture shapes how people think, act, and deliver — every single day. Read more to learn how culture impacts commercial outcomes, why high-performing cultures need to be built, and key actions for leaders.

Build a Resilient Supply Chain with Digital Twins

In a world of increasingly complex and interconnected global supply chains, managing risk, disruption, and uncertainty is more critical than ever. The 2025 OECD Supply Chain Resilience Review reveals a stark rise in vulnerability due to import concentration, urging organisations to prioritise smarter—not smaller—supply chains. Enter digital twins: virtual models that offer unparalleled visibility, scenario planning, and efficiency gains....