Category Archives: cat-news

Copper shortages on the horizon

According to financial services firm Barclays, demand for the red metal will outpace supply by around 316,000 metric tonnes in the first six months of 2013, but the bank added that in the second quarter of the year it expects a surplus to emerge.

Blo…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on Copper shortages on the horizon

Global corporates switch on microgrid electricity generation

“Large and small companies, as well as various government and research departments, are moving aggressively to create or assemble new micro grids,” says Pike Reserch senior research analyst Peter Asmus. 

He added that new microgrid components, u…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on Global corporates switch on microgrid electricity generation

China-based exporters brace for ‘tough’ times

According to a survey of 1,546 exporters by Global Sources, optimism is lower than it was in a similar survey conducted a year ago when nearly all respondents said they were certain of export growth. Compared with the second half of 2012 expectations,…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on China-based exporters brace for ‘tough’ times

BP suspended from winning US government contracts

The US Environmental Protection Agency has “temporarily” suspended the oil and gas firm and affiliate companies from winning new deals over a “lack of business integrity” related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Posted in 2012, cat-news, News, Purchasing, Risk & continuity | Comments Off on BP suspended from winning US government contracts

Siemens to save €3 billion with procurement overhaul

The changes will be led by CPO Barbara Kux, who will leave the company when her contract expires in December 2013.

Posted in 2012, Business change, cat-news, Ed's choice business change, News, Purchasing | Comments Off on Siemens to save €3 billion with procurement overhaul

Wake up and smell the coffee, it might be extinct by 2080

Scientists have warned Arabica coffee plants may not exist by the end of the century, because climate change, pests and diseases.

Posted in 2012, cat-news, News, Purchasing, Supply chain | Comments Off on Wake up and smell the coffee, it might be extinct by 2080

PFI hospital leaves NHS Trust in ‘critical financial position’

The National Audit Office has given strong criticism of the “poor financial management and procurement” in building Peterborough City Hospital, which proceeded despite warnings about its affordability.

Posted in 2012, cat-news, News, Public sector, Purchasing | Comments Off on PFI hospital leaves NHS Trust in ‘critical financial position’

DHL lines up investment in Thai supply network

The company, which has been operating in Thailand since 1995, said that over the next few years it will expand its fleet with investment in its own vehicles and a boost to subcontractor partnerships.

Beyond the new infrastructure and recruits, DHL sa…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on DHL lines up investment in Thai supply network

Wal-Mart calls for suppliers to align with digital advertising strategy

Speaking at the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce WalStreet Speaker Series, Stephen Quinn, chief marketing officer at Wal-Mart US told a room full of delegates and including many of its delegates that there was no time to lose in the rapidly…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on Wal-Mart calls for suppliers to align with digital advertising strategy

€460bn opportunity for cross-border supply chain finance

European banking professionals surveyed in the research believed that currently only 5-10% of the available marketplace has been satisfied with cross-border SCF schemes, revealing ample space for further growth.

According to Demica’s latest res…

Posted in cat-news | Comments Off on €460bn opportunity for cross-border supply chain finance