North of England CPO Dinner: Insights and Highlights

This week , Berwick Partners and Proxima had the pleasure of hosting the North of England CPO Dinner at the impressive Grand Pacific restaurant, Manchester. The venue provided a fantastic setting for an evening of engaging and insightful discussions among senior procurement leaders from various industry sectors.

The recently published 2025 Proxima CPO report served as a backdrop for the evening, highlighting key issues against an ever-changing geopolitical and economic landscape. The report’s findings sparked lively conversations and deep dives into the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals today.

Below we have highlighted three key discussion points from the evening.

1. Driving Progress in Digital and Sustainability 

   The conversation emphasised the importance of identifying use cases for incremental gains and progress in digital and sustainability initiatives. Rather than attempting to implement solutions that may only be relevant in 1-2 years, the focus was on making tangible improvements now. Participants shared examples of successful digital transformations and sustainability projects, highlighting the need for practical, scalable solutions that can deliver immediate benefits.

2. People and Team Development 

   The significance of developing teams alongside any new technology or initiatives was highlighted. Ensuring the right mix of skills, knowledge, and experience is crucial – a blend of traditional procurement capabilities and forward-looking skills. Additionally, fostering a mindset geared towards achieving more – more savings, greater value, and stronger relationships across the business – was deemed essential. Attendees discussed various strategies for talent development, including mentorship programs, continuous learning opportunities, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within their organisations.

3. Balancing Cost and Value 

   While cost pressures are a reality, never more so than now, the pursuit of savings should not come at the expense of broader value. The definition of value varies across organisations, encompassing aspects such as cost + growth, cost + sustainability, and cost + reliability. The discussion centred on how procurement can align the supply base, both commercially and contractually, to achieve these broader value propositions and organisational objectives. It was fascinating to observe the differing dynamics and essence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values across various sectors, and the importance placed on these aspects during challenging economic times. Participants shared insights on how to effectively communicate the value of procurement initiatives to stakeholders and align them with the overall strategic goals of the organisation.

The evening was a testament to the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach of the procurement community, as leaders shared their insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of the current landscape. The discussions underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty, and the need for procurement professionals to continuously evolve and innovate.

As the event drew to a close, there was a sense of optimism among the participants. The insights gained and connections made during the dinner will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts of procurement leaders to drive positive change within their organisations and the broader industry.

For further information about this event or our Procurement Practice then please speak to Richard Guest.