tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42632161278769021822024-03-08T08:07:18.464+00:00PAWA Consulting blogA weblog for PAWA consulting ltd. We provide commercial support and skills to the public and private sectors by providing consultancy and training. We specialise in supply chain management. We are based in Bradford, UK.PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.comBlogger417125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-70090038226368660262024-03-08T08:06:00.004+00:002024-03-08T08:06:29.463+00:00The Procurement Act Expo, Tuesday 12th March 2024, Birmingham NEC<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">I am going to this event as a delegate rather than as a presenter - that is how valuable and useful I think it is going to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jointly presented by the Cabinet Office and BIP Solutions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope to see you there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Full details are<a href="https://www.procurementact.co.uk/about/" target="_blank"> here.</a></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-82872226137772700902024-02-20T11:57:00.004+00:002024-02-20T11:57:40.672+00:00Westminster Business Forum: Next steps for Public Procurement Policy 26th April 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">I am pleased to one of the contributors to the Westminster Business Forum event on 26th April 2024, looking at the next steps in Public Procurement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I know that we have not even introduced the Procurement Act yet, but that is the time to think not only about what that is going to mean, but also about the future changes that are inevitably going to follow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Luckily for you all, I shall only have a small role. The event is online so no need to travel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Full details are <a href="https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/Procurement-24" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-20523455328036168852024-01-25T08:00:00.029+00:002024-01-25T08:00:00.173+00:00BIP - DPRTE - The Procurement Act 2023 for Defence Suppliers - 1st February 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cTdLKmgP7w2cvx72GxIjHppRBdrOlB3hMTvVwkS-zFQDlkH1H9eu-ARCmYJyyJIeBN7hzKJJfyrhp_XVO777LL8nx38vpDisrW8MG8xvP4dp0hjXk_GrnxdJ8EYjExAdC1d6RAx0H7yzpwZ5LSulJy5sZsW2hC2wV9PGrut-sv0pAzn0zPJQsuhWSy3d/s800/1703855428791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cTdLKmgP7w2cvx72GxIjHppRBdrOlB3hMTvVwkS-zFQDlkH1H9eu-ARCmYJyyJIeBN7hzKJJfyrhp_XVO777LL8nx38vpDisrW8MG8xvP4dp0hjXk_GrnxdJ8EYjExAdC1d6RAx0H7yzpwZ5LSulJy5sZsW2hC2wV9PGrut-sv0pAzn0zPJQsuhWSy3d/s320/1703855428791.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I was a late substitute called off the bench to moderate this webinar, which will go out on Thursday 1st February 2024.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Procurement Act 2023 has big implications for all public sector bodies, but for the defence industry there is a really big change as their standalone DSPCR 2011 is combined with other procurement processes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We have two experts from MOD to talk through the changes, and (as it says) what it means for Defence Suppliers. I'm just your genial host.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I found the session really interesting, and Alex and Ben have been intimately involved in the legislation and now in the role out - so they know what they are talking about. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There is a slide pack to go along with the webinar, which will be less than an hour (currently in editing).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope you enjoy it. Joining instructions are <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9085759796267120472?source=LinkedIn" target="_blank">here</a> or<a href="https://www.dprte.co.uk/webinars/"> here</a> (which my system thinks is a dodgy site, but isnt. Honest)</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-39179684776148821972024-01-18T07:30:00.008+00:002024-01-18T07:30:00.141+00:00Public Sector: Banning failed suppliers<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">As a result of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal" target="_blank">Fujitsu/Horizon/Post Office scandal</a> coming to wider public attention there have been a lot of questions about why the government has not banned them from future contracts. Some people have alleged all sorts of reasons included stating that it was not possible to ban them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The reality is a bit more complex. Firstly, the contract would have been awarded under the regulations in place in 1999, and to be honest I am not sure what they would allow in terms of banning suppliers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Secondly, until now despite the clear and obvious problems that have been known for 25 years, at no point has the contract with Fujitsu been terminated, nor as far as I am aware have damages been sought. The principle up until now has been that the IT system was perfect, and the post masters were the ones in the wrong - a principle that was wrong from the start. (<a href="https://davidallengreen.com/2024/01/how-the-legal-system-made-it-so-easy-for-the-post-office-to-destroy-the-lives-of-the-sub-postmasters-and-sub-postmistresses-and-how-the-legal-system-then-made-it-so-hard-for-them-to-obtain-justice/" target="_blank">David Allen Green has a good blog</a> discussion of this). So, as far as the government was concerned there was no grounds for banning Fujitsu because they had done nothing wrong (I know - not the reality).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, it is very likely that time had run out on both warrantees and the rights to claim damages for non-performance (and remember, until now as far as the Post Office and government were concerned there was no non-performance to challenge - they blamed the Post Masters).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, what other avenues are there. Well in the Public Contract Regulations 2015 there are provisions for Discretionary Exclusions of companies who fail significantly in a material element of a relevant contract - fuller details are in these PPNs <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a807c70ed915d74e33fab47/PPN04-15_Supplier_Past_Performance_.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ppn-0323-standard-selection-questionnaire-sq" target="_blank">here</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The relevant text is :"<i>In particular, an economic operator (</i>i.e. company)<i> may be excluded if it has shown significant or persistent deficiencies in the performance of a substantive requirement under a prior public contract, a prior contract with a contracting entity or a prior concession contract which led to early termination of that prior contract, damages or other comparable sanctions.</i>"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But remember again, until now the contract was NOT seen to have significant of persistent deficiencies. Difficult to believe when Computer Weekly first raised it in 2009 (and have stuck at the story to their credit).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But IF the contract were terminated and/or damages sought then Fujitsu COULD be barred from bidding for futures similar contracts at the Selection Questionnaire stage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The new Procurement Act 2023, which starts in October 2024 looks to give the government more powers (which of course they have to choose to utilise). Under the PA2023 the government not only has similar powers to exclude failing suppliers from the bidding process, but also the ability to debar suppliers for a period of 5 years if so authorised by a Minister of the Crown (and after representations from the supplier). Lots of legal discussion of this - <a href="https://www.dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2024/01/the-new-procurement-act-2023-exclusion-and-debarment-of-suppliers-whats-new" target="_blank">here</a> is one.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sounds like a step in the right direction to me, though there is some concern this is a <a href="https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/procurement-and-contracts/402-procurement-news/56013-committee-calls-for-clarity-on-how-procurement-act-data-rules-will-be-implemented" target="_blank">lack of clarity </a>, and it will be a brave Minister who is the first to invoke it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(Incidentally there is a growing trend for government communications about such matters to be written as party political publicity, which is both annoying and worrying. It is the same path previously reputable newspapers went down when they became unable to separate truth and opinion. It damages our democracy).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, the key point is that Fujitsu were not made liable for their failings and consequently it is rather difficult to see how they can be punished. They could voluntarily step away from UK government contracts for a while (though a recent conversation with a delegate suggests they are not doing so) as one consultancy did after they upset Prime Minister Theresa May through a leak. I am decidedly against that - it is corruption to step away from contracts to curry favour with politicians. Much better for us to properly manage our contracts, be brave enough to admit when they are not working, and use the powers the regulations are (belatedly) granting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-82141506633735371002024-01-17T08:35:00.001+00:002024-01-17T08:35:00.133+00:00BIP Solutions - Understanding Social Value Monday 25th March 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The very popular course on Understanding Social Value will be run online on Monday 24th March 2024. Full details are <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/understanding-social-value/" target="_blank">here</a><a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/understanding-social-value/" target="_blank"></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">BIP Solutions also has some historic content <a href="https://www.bipsolutions.com/new-report-social-value-supply-chain-ethics-and-procurement-legislation/" target="_blank">here</a> which might be interesting.</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-57260673062628364982024-01-16T16:26:00.001+00:002024-01-16T16:26:00.442+00:00BIP Solutions - Preparing Perfect Tenders 27th February 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">We've swapped a couple of events round, and I shall now be presenting Preparing Perfect Tenders online on Tuesday 27th February 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is one of our events tailored for suppliers to the public sector, and will of course talk about the new Procurement Act 2023 as well as tried and tested ways to make your bids and proposals stand out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Full details <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/preparing-perfect-tenders/" target="_blank">here</a> (the date might still say 7th March, but it WILL be on 27th Feb - we've just agreed)</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-37172360478335551492024-01-15T16:23:00.001+00:002024-01-15T16:23:00.152+00:00Developing Commercial Skills for Buyers - BIP Solutions 7th March 2024 (change from 27th Feb 2024)<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Sorry folks - change of date and presenter for this event. No longer 27th Feb but now 7th March with Gemma.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Will be a good event.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-49095939255907662752024-01-12T07:30:00.005+00:002024-01-12T07:30:00.140+00:00BIP Solutions - Delivering Effective Market Engagement - 15th February 2024 online<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">One of the things about the new Procurement Act 2023 is that it is explicitly opening the door to more engagement with the supply base and market. Now there was nothing strictly stopping buyers from doing that under the PCR 2015, but in practice Public Sector Buyers were very worried about the risk of challenge for distorting competition.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well the government is recognising that suppliers have useful insights, and encouraging buyers to discuss procurements with them - but obviously not in a way that does actual distort competition. And of course, if you are in Sales that is precisely your intention in engaging with potential customers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But with some forethought this should be a useful capability.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So we are running a seminar to share what we see as best practice, and hope that delegates will share their thoughts and concerns too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Full details are <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/delivering-effective-market-engagement/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-4063585905021779602024-01-11T09:52:00.001+00:002024-01-11T09:52:00.137+00:00CIPS qualifications training - The Procurement Academy<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Talking about CIPS... a reminder that I also run three training programmes for The Procurement Academy. These include Apprenticeship scheme delegates, so the costs might be very low (not my department so I cannot be clear). I run Level 4 in Leeds and Doncaster, and Level 5 in Leeds/online (it is a hybrid which works surprisingly well)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the group we run Level 6 in Sheffield (at the moment - looking to do Leeds too), and have training centres in Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham as well as on line. The other tutors Reg and Mike are VERY experienced, and we have a range of styles so geography permitting we can match you to your preferred learning style.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">CIPS have just introduced a new level 4 syllabus, which solves a few of the problems (though I think misses some problems too) and we start to run it next week.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We run rolling programmes, which means you can join at any time of the year - but of course means you dont necessarily start on Module 1. We work around that to make sure you know everything you need for each module.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Usual format is 1 or 2 days per module (depending on content) and then a study/revision day looking at typical questions and ensuring learning is embedded before the exams.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fuller details are available<a href="https://www.theprocurementacademy.com/" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-74822027736797987512024-01-10T08:30:00.001+00:002024-01-10T08:30:00.137+00:00CIPS Procurement Fundamentals 25th April 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The next CIPS open skills training I am running after Developing Contracts is Procurement Fundamentals. Again this is suitable for both public and private sector buyers, and for anyone who wants to understand what procurement is (hint: not just shopping or filling in forms). No prior knowledge is required.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Full details are <a href="https://www.cips.org/procurement-training/procurement-fundamentals-716265" target="_blank">here.</a> Hope to see you there.</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-32828448999675297662024-01-09T08:30:00.001+00:002024-01-09T08:30:00.141+00:00CIPS Developing Contractual Agreements - open skills training 6th March 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Sticking with the contracts theme... I am also delighted to be running some open skills training courses for CIPS online this year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first of these is Developing Contractual Agreements on 6th March 2024 - full details are <a href="https://www.cips.org/procurement-training/developing-contractual-agreements-394721" target="_blank">here.</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Brief description: "</span><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>This interactive course is particularly relevant for those who are new to procurement. It will provide an awareness of the essential legal principles governing contracts, not just to solve disputes but more importantly, how to avoid them. It considers issues relating to the setting up of contracts and key contract clauses."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The course is suitable for both public and private sector buyers, and indeed for anyone who wants an insight into contracts whatever their role.</span></p><p><br /></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-79222258407185742692024-01-08T08:30:00.002+00:002024-01-09T16:23:09.594+00:00Developing Commercial Skills for Buyers - BIP Solutions 7th March 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">As well as all the exciting stuff around the new Procurement Act 2023, we haven't forgotten the general skills required for Procurement. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One of my mantras is that Procurement is just the other side of the table from Sales. But somehow they are seen as commercial and we are just seen as clerical. Not accurate!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(though my wife who works in sales thinks her company sometimes thinks they are just clerks too).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So we are running a range of courses for Buyers to help provide all the business and commercial skills that they need.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first one is Developing Commercial Skills for Buyers online in 7th March 2024 - run by my colleague Gemma</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Details are <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/developing-commercial-skills-for-buyers/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Apologies for the change of date and presenter (no longer 27th February 2024).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm still writing it though.... which I guess may NOT be a selling point, but you are warned.</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-36843224603520603992024-01-05T08:30:00.001+00:002024-01-05T08:30:00.137+00:00IChemE What Engineers Need to Know about Contracts - July 2024<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">This ever popular course has been revised to 3xhalf day courses, and will be run on 10/11/12 July 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A fuller face to face event can be run face to face as an in-house event (we have 2 in January 2024!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As always full details can be found on the IChemE site <a href="https://www.icheme.org/training-events/training/courses-a-z/what-engineers-need-to-know-about-contracts/" target="_blank">here.</a> AND there is 25% off until 2nd Feb 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Running it over 3 half days gives us a little more breathing space and has allowed me to drop in some more case studies and examples. And some links to some of the other useful IChemE courses such as the one on Project Management and the one on the Model forms of contract (neither of which I run so you can believe me when I say they are good).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Please note that this is entitled "Engineers" and despite being run by IChemE is <i>not</i> just relevant to Chemical Engineers. Or indeed just to Engineers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope to see you (online) then.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are wondering if we will return it to face to face open courses in the future? Well maybe. If there is demand. So if that is what you want, please let us know. But we intend to carry on online for the future to help reach international engineers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-62521823961260374692024-01-04T08:30:00.008+00:002024-01-04T08:30:00.143+00:00Understanding The Procurement Act 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">As mentioned in other posts, there is going to be a lot of activity in 2024 around the new Procurement Act 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And I'm going to be part of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As well as my PAWA Consulting programmes, I am delighted to work with BIP Solutions on a range of events building on our Understanding the Procurement Act Roadshows.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I shall be kicking off with Understanding the Procurement Act for Buyers online on Tuesday 6th February 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My colleague Gemma Waring will be running it on April 17th.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We shall also be running events focusing on what it means for Suppliers (cunningly entitled Understanding the Procurement Act for Suppliers - 30th January and 4th April 2024, both run by Gemma).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We hope you can make it, and hope it will answer your questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fuller details will be available <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/understanding-the-procurement-act-for-buyers/" target="_blank">here.</a></span></p><p> </p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-8028208901610039822024-01-03T08:30:00.001+00:002024-01-03T08:30:00.140+00:00Recommended Reading<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">It is the time of the year when we all start to think that we shall go on a journey of self-improvement.... Good luck.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway I thought I would share some of my recent reading in the hope that others will find them relevant, interesting or just entertaining.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Procurement:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- Well the<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents/enacted" target="_blank"> Procurement Act 2023</a>, obviously. Many of us will be reading it a lot this year!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- Peter Smith is a former CIPS President who is now working on <a href="https://www.procurementwithpurpose.com/" rel="nofollow">Procurement with Purpose</a> which I think laudable. His <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/procurement-purpose-newsletter-no47-jan-2nd-2024-peter-smith-rixte/?trackingId=qj%2FceU98TlieiIQvtylSAQ%3D%3D" rel="nofollow">newsletters</a> are always interesting too - not least because of the new music discussion involved. Speaking of which, MY favourite new band in 2023 were <a href="https://paleblueeyes.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Pale Blue Eyes</a> - Shoegaze is BACK I tell you. Back! And the <a href="https://www.slowdiveofficial.com/" rel="nofollow">Slowdive</a> album (everything is alive) was great too, though my favourite album was Fuse by <a href="https://ebtg.com/" rel="nofollow">Everything But the Girl</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>General Non-fiction:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Material-World-Substantial-Story-Future/dp/B0BSH4N482/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B1Y62XKKUNJK&keywords=material+world+ed+conway&qid=1704213685&sprefix=material+world%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Material World by Ed Conway</a>, a consideration of 6 essential materials. Ok, I am a former materials scientist working in supply chain, so I guess I AM the target market. BTW I also want to read a book about the end of ICI. In his references he suggests a free PDF <a href="https://www.uselessgroup.org/publications/book/chapters" rel="nofollow">Sustainable Materials: With Both Eyes Open </a>from Cambridge University, which I also heartily recommend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> - I do not <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09W4DQ441/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738" rel="nofollow">Black Holes; the key to understanding the universe</a> by Profs Brian Cox and Jeff Folshaw unless you already have some understanding. But if you do, it is super.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BDZMJVW8/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738" rel="nofollow">How Big Things Get Done by Bynt Flyberg</a> is brilliant about projects and project management and I shall be wittering on about it at every opportunity in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09RDS8J7J/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738" rel="nofollow">What If 2 by Randall Munroe</a> adds some much needed whimsy to the big questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- I'd never actually read <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BYMGP6P4/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738" rel="nofollow">The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx</a>. Much shorter than I imagined. Things have changed in 150 years, but maybe not as much as you would expect.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- Death comes to us all, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59681563-all-the-living-and-the-dead" rel="nofollow">All the Living and the Dead by Hayley Campbell</a> is an intriguing exploration of something most of us care to avoid thinking about. Incidentally her dad Eddie Campbell wrote and drew <a href="https://okcomics.co.uk/products/from-hell-paperback-by-alan-moore-and-eddie-campbell" rel="nofollow">From Hell </a>with Alan Moore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005MJFA2W/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738" rel="nofollow">Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemann</a> tells us that we have 2 modes (fast and slow) and how that changes our decision making processes, and our decisions. TLDR Fast is the fight/flight/freeze type response, and until we can move beyond that we cannot make rational choices. Helps explain a lot. You may not need the whole book...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And finally <a href="https://www.gapminder.org/dollar-street?" rel="nofollow">Dollar Street</a> from Hans Rosling's foundation helps us to really see what life is like for people around the world, rather than the perceptions we gain from TV. Invaluable. Take some of their <a href="https://upgrader.gapminder.org/" target="_blank">quiz </a>and see for yourself how you have an overly pessimistic view of the world. (or at least most people do - and there is still MUCH room for improvement).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Fiction:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Titanium-Noir-Nick-Harkaway/dp/1472156935" rel="nofollow">Titanium Noir</a> by Nick Harkaway was a great melding of SF and noir crime fiction. He is a friend of William Gibson, and the son of John Le Carre.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-50299418471836395752024-01-02T14:20:00.003+00:002024-01-02T14:20:14.146+00:00Happy New Year 2024<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Well</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> it is going to be an interesting year - with elections in the UK and USA (and many other countries too).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The global and European economies are far from strong, though the USA seems to be doing just fine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, and interesting time for procurement - and especially for Public Procurement in the UK as the Procurement Act 2023 comes into force in October 2024. I shall be doing a lot of events around that, so please do keep an eye out and come along.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All the best to everyone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As John Lennon said, let's hope it is a good one.</span></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-55758793603437688072024-01-02T14:17:00.002+00:002024-01-02T14:17:24.087+00:00Sponsorship - Sheffield Shadows<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDHs7xBwTaiQjECIcMjtG85dbMNbtx96eAvooKQFlgflS2yyXiitJbL6dZ9iwDvSYz6LP3dCpDRhLhej-T0Z73VrbvMIiSDnPGP7HtsGByLjaevnHOgt1XoUFxpX08mIzEDpwciVigCdcn7d_gVsAtW0OtNIPBJsRWzXyV6OVsSzjD3Y3xwdVWc3sgy39/s4032/2023-11-04%2019.30.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDHs7xBwTaiQjECIcMjtG85dbMNbtx96eAvooKQFlgflS2yyXiitJbL6dZ9iwDvSYz6LP3dCpDRhLhej-T0Z73VrbvMIiSDnPGP7HtsGByLjaevnHOgt1XoUFxpX08mIzEDpwciVigCdcn7d_gVsAtW0OtNIPBJsRWzXyV6OVsSzjD3Y3xwdVWc3sgy39/s320/2023-11-04%2019.30.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I am pleased that PAWA Consulting Ltd. is sponsoring a player's shirts at Sheffield Shadows Ice Hockey club.<p></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-2588755692223340282023-10-08T14:44:00.001+01:002023-10-08T14:44:44.004+01:00Procurement Reform Roadshow - Norwich 10th October 2023 and Liverpool 12th October <p> The first roadshow for buyers went very well in Newcastle.</p><p>We are looking forward to 2 more next week on Tuesday 10th October 2023 in Norwich and Thursday 12th October in Liverpool.</p><p>Full details <a href="https://www.procurementreform.co.uk/roadshow/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>After these 2 with me acting a Master of Ceremonies, and further events follow in Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bristol MC'd by my colleague Gemma.</p><p><br /></p><p>After that we turn to running events for suppliers in November on 22nd in Manchester and 23rd in London. Details <a href="https://www.procurementreform.co.uk/procurement-reform-suppliers/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hope to see you at these events.</p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-28708351213487059562023-09-25T14:08:00.000+01:002023-09-25T14:08:49.375+01:00The Procurement Bill 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-XT_5c_hNe91klKwIs-LM9_CB-3HL8_jASNItwlndHkeVCNd-6_ldrY2dC3GB6Ig0eRjLFMcwMm8bQTnWBdhOs3f2QYGgFfp8YsIgLqdGMGakDKEQ6WytVbSJrBnxd-LnY1UkJf_36nB27Db8cc-GocRMsLoD6ZrmT8GrRPJGxJvWb4_RYCH9VMeKVP1/s300/Procurement%20reform.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="300" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-XT_5c_hNe91klKwIs-LM9_CB-3HL8_jASNItwlndHkeVCNd-6_ldrY2dC3GB6Ig0eRjLFMcwMm8bQTnWBdhOs3f2QYGgFfp8YsIgLqdGMGakDKEQ6WytVbSJrBnxd-LnY1UkJf_36nB27Db8cc-GocRMsLoD6ZrmT8GrRPJGxJvWb4_RYCH9VMeKVP1/s1600/Procurement%20reform.png" width="300" /></a></div>I am delighted to be announce that I shall be working with my colleagues at BIPSolutions to run a series of Roadshows about the Procurement Bill that is currently undergoing review in Parliament. This will replace the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 that we have all been working under for almost a decade.<p></p><p>The plan is to have Royal Assent next year, and then have a six month period to allow everyone to understand the new rules before it goes live. So, a year from new we should have a new public procurement regime.</p><p>If you are either a Public Sector buyer, or a supplier to the public sector then these changes are going to have an impact on you.</p><p>We are running a series of roadshows around England, firstly focusing on Buyers and then a follow up series focused on the implications for suppliers. </p><p>The Buyer events are going start in Newcastle on Tuesday 3rd October, and then move on to Norwich on 10th October and Liverpool on 12th October with my as the host. My colleague Gemma Waring will be hosting the events in Sheffield (19th Oct), Nottingham (31st Nov), Birmingham (7th Nov) and Bristol (21st Nov).</p><p>The supplier dates will be in November in Manchester and London (dates should be released early in October).</p><p>We have a range of great guest speakers to help talk through the Bill, and will have a panel discussion where we can address any other public procurement topics. Questions will be welcome at the end of all sessions.</p><p>Fuller details including booking are at the link <a href="https://www.procurementreform.co.uk/roadshow/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Hope to see you there.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-26398472471712782172023-08-14T12:42:00.014+01:002023-08-14T12:42:00.144+01:00Training fees repeated<p> Well inflation remains stubbornly high, and we are all going to have to get used to needing to negotiate higher fees/salaries to remain standing still.</p><p>I increased fees this time last year, and I have already booked in new rates for 2024 with some clients.</p><p>This is the new world we all have to get used to. Even my window cleaner put prices up 20%.</p><p>After years of relatively low inflation, we are now in a second year of it being high, and consequently significant wage/cost inflation is going to happen. We can pretend it wont, but the reality is that it has to. This will mean added difficulties in agreeing fees/rates/prices with suppliers, but we should be getting used to this new normal.</p><p>Anyway, for new work coming in after September 2023, my rates are going up. I imagine so are everyone elses. Good luck to everyone on both sides of the table.</p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-30543425143810160262023-08-11T09:00:00.014+01:002023-09-22T17:16:32.226+01:00Tackling Procurement Fraud - BIP Solutions<p> The second online course I shall be delivering for BIP Solutions <strike>this month</strike> is <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/tackling-procurement-fraud/" target="_blank">Tackling Procurement Fraud</a>, <strike>Wednesday 23rd August 2023. </strike></p><p>Date is being rearranged- will keep you up to date. Probably September</p><p>Another interesting topic, with some key interests at the moment. I shall try to stay the right side of the line on fair comments!</p><p>Hope to see you there.</p><p><br /></p><p>BREAKING NEWS: Course now due to run on <b>Wednesday 8th November</b>. Full details including booking forms in the link <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/tackling-procurement-fraud/" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Apologies for the delay.</p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-82795282595534776522023-08-10T12:38:00.003+01:002023-08-10T12:38:19.140+01:00BIP Solutions - Understanding Sustainability in Public Procurement<p> I am pleased to tell you that I have renewed my relationship with BIP Solutions, and will be delivering a range of programmes on their behalf.</p><p><br /></p><p>The first of this is<a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/understanding-sustainability-in-public-procurement/" target="_blank"> Understanding Sustainability in Public Procurement</a> which I shall be delivering on line on Tuesday 15th August 2023. Full details are in the link <a href="https://www.passprocurement.co.uk/event/understanding-sustainability-in-public-procurement/">here</a>. </p><p>Very interesting topic and very affordable - but I would say that, wouldn't I?</p><p><br /></p><p>Hope to see you there</p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-9880036894435305872023-08-02T17:09:00.000+01:002023-08-02T17:09:06.103+01:0025 years of PAWA Consulting<p> Well to be accurate, 25 years and one month. But things have been so busy that it is only now we are in August that I have time to write about it.</p><p>As I said in a very early newsletter (remember them?) "what a long strange trip its been" (quoting the Grateful Dead). And it has been strange and fun. And I am still here - though I have had various colleagues along the way.</p><p>Looks like 2023 is going to be the busiest year for training that I have ever had, and so I have decided to mostly draw the line under consultancy (unless something particularly piques my interest).</p><p>I have some news about returning to an old client later in the year, which means a range of new open courses on public procurement and related topics. Meanwhile I am running further in-house programmes, and working as usual for a range of partner organisations running open and in-house programmes.</p><p>I've been only in the UK since Covid, but hope to be travelling to deliver courses from next year (2024).</p><p>In the meantime I have been running some courses on international time. Which is fine for Europe, the Middle East and USA. I am feeling a little bit more apprehensive about doing one on Japanese time in October! Better to get back to doing these face to face I think. And as a sign that is possible I am being Master of Ceremonies at some UK conferences in the autumn.</p><p>Hope to see you at an event in the future.</p><p><br /></p><p>(technically 23 years of PAWA Consulting Ltd, but 25 years of PAWA Consulting).</p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-12164408130414522632023-05-19T09:54:00.004+01:002023-05-19T09:54:43.353+01:00IChemE - What Engineers need to know about contracts - 14-16 June 2023<p> We are running the popular What Engineers need to know about contracts course for the first time this year on 14-16 June 2023. We are still running it online, but will at some point try face to face again. Hopefully later this year.</p><p>The online course is 3 half days (mornings UK time). It is based on our F2F course which is two full days, and so we had to strip it down a bit and go at pace when we did it in two half days. To give us more time for discussion (and more content) we are expanding it to 3 half days.</p><p><br /></p><p>Full details are <a href="http://here.">a</a>t <a href="https://www.icheme.org/career/training/courses-a-z/what-engineers-need-to-know-about-contracts/">https://www.icheme.org/career/training/courses-a-z/what-engineers-need-to-know-about-contracts/</a></p><p><br /></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263216127876902182.post-34339839358464455652022-09-02T07:00:00.002+01:002022-09-02T07:00:00.182+01:00Generation Recession<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">"summer's gone" - Wake up Boo, The Boo Radleys</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnG1jMkrVuuB5igALNw9OHVDUS9v_5tmKRX6tvPwzto-5yQFxyyXD3_Gp8LT9mazPAFhvr74awyTAd6rSpOkovztA6WmZUreH5l8C4VEAr_sI6w6KAKxZxQfqrqnUVsogoMFncAD5HOOunIIzbLd5MvMO82q3cQcN-QcrsmYMQwyvVGRHV4og4zEZHg/s300/Boo%20Radleys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="300" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnG1jMkrVuuB5igALNw9OHVDUS9v_5tmKRX6tvPwzto-5yQFxyyXD3_Gp8LT9mazPAFhvr74awyTAd6rSpOkovztA6WmZUreH5l8C4VEAr_sI6w6KAKxZxQfqrqnUVsogoMFncAD5HOOunIIzbLd5MvMO82q3cQcN-QcrsmYMQwyvVGRHV4og4zEZHg/s1600/Boo%20Radleys.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well we are into September, and the future is not looking so bright we have to wear shades (Timbuk 3). A long winter and probably a long few years are to come. <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/real-household-disposable-incomes-to-fall-by-10-this-year-and-next-12686170" target="_blank">Figures</a> in the news today suggest a 10% drop in real incomes over this year and next for UK households, some £3000 on average. We shall be no better off than we were in 2003, despite high employment/low unemployment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That money has to come from somewhere - and that means first of all from discretionary spend. That new sofa, car, holiday, wallpaper - if it can be put off it will be. Which means a hit to the retail and service sectors, followed by the manufacturing sector (or possibly lead by it).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My kids recently turned 20 and hopefully by the time they fully enter the workplace things will be better. But it got me thinking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My kids are really just becoming aware of the economy and business, so lets say that most of us really understand that when we have been working for a while, say when we are 25. (I didn't even start work until I was nearly 26 - perpetual student!).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Assuming this current crisis can be resolved in about 5 years (it will be more than one) then we are talking 2027. That is 20 years after the global financial crisis of 2007/8.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, in 2007 people who were 25 might be aware of good times coming to an end, and then start to experience austerity, Brexit, covid, the 2022 cost of living crisis... By 2027 they will be 45 and be able to remember one or two good years for the economy a long time ago. Anyone under 45 will never have known anything but tough times. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course us oldsters will be telling our war stories about the times of plenty. And be rightly ignored. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We talk of<b> recovery</b> as a part of the business cycle, but realistically we have to be in <b>boom</b> before people <i>feel</i> recovery has happened, and those breathing spaces have been short recently.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We all know our early experiences in business have an influence on how we behave in our careers. What will it mean for them?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">45 year old should be the engines of business - a combination of energy and experience. They will have known nothing but recession and depression. Will they be able to imagine a better future? Will their formative years set them on a path of limited risk?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The impact of these years will be not just economic, but psychological (which will also impact on the economy).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What will it do to business thinking and strategy?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've no idea, but we ought to start thinking about getting young people to have the right mindset.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It would probably help if we stopped telling them they could buy a house if they gave up eating avocado toast (is that really a thing?) and recognised they are our future. And they will pay our pensions. I hope they have a booming economy to help them do so.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, have a good weekend. Sorry if I am being gloomy.</span></p><p><br /></p>PAWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717437956767185932noreply@blogger.com0