Powering Procurement

Atamis
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Welcome to Powering Procurement, a podcast by Atamis, where we delve into the rapidly evolving world of procurement. In each episode, we feature in-depth conversations with industry leaders, technology innovators, and procurement professionals who share their insights on how digital technologies, AI, and data-driven decision-making are shaping the procurement landscape. Join us to gain actionable strategies and tools to enhance your procurement processes, reduce costs, and drive better decisions within your organisation.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    From Steel to Social Value - A Procurement Leader’s Journey with Lorraine Sawyer

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, we’re joined by Lorraine Sawyer, Procurement Director at Orbit Group, to explore what modern procurement leadership really looks like across regulated, purpose-led organisations. Lorraine shares her deliberately chosen journey into procurement, from studying the discipline at university through to senior leadership roles spanning heavy industry and housing. With experience at Tata Steel, British Steel, Home Group, Anchor and now Orbit, she brings a rare perspective on balancing commercial rigour with public service values. The conversation explores the contrasts between procurement in steel and housing, the resilience required in challenging sectors, and why social purpose has become central to Lorraine’s leadership approach. We discuss the realities of working in a highly regulated environment, including changing consumer standards, building safety requirements and the impact of the Procurement Act, alongside the need to remain commercially focused and adaptable. Lorraine also shares practical insight into supplier relationship management, social value in practice, and how housing providers and suppliers can work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for residents and communities. We explore the role of technology in improving procurement efficiency and service delivery, and how digital transformation can create better experiences for both teams and customers. The episode closes with Lorraine’s reflections on leadership, team culture and what success looks like when procurement is truly embedded as a trusted partner within the organisation, as well as why she continues to find procurement a rewarding and dynamic career after more than 20 years in the profession.

    35 min

  2. 27 JAN

    The Legal Side of Procurement That Really Matters

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, we’re joined by Nicola Cullen and Tom Beard from Capital Law to explore how procurement teams can manage legal risk with confidence under the new UK Procurement Act. Nicola and Tom bring complementary perspectives from non-contentious procurement advisory work and frontline procurement disputes. Together, they unpack what has really changed under the new legislation, including streamlined procedures, enhanced transparency requirements, and the growing administrative burden around notices. The conversation covers common misconceptions procurement teams have about legal compliance, why “fairness” does not always equal legal safety, and how vague evaluation criteria, unclear ITTs, and weak contract management can expose organisations to unnecessary challenge risk. We also explore what makes an ITT legally defensible, why risk is effectively locked in once documents are published, and how early collaboration between legal and procurement teams can prevent costly firefighting later on. Nicola and Tom share real-world examples from live procurements, offering practical lessons without naming names. The episode also looks ahead, discussing the role of AI in procurement, where it can genuinely add value, where caution is needed, and how transparency, accountability, and audit trails must remain central. Finally, they reflect on the future of the profession, why procurement capability is rising, and why this is an exciting moment for both procurement and legal professionals working closely together. A must-listen for procurement leaders, legal teams, and anyone navigating public sector procurement reform.

    40 min

  3. 13 JAN

    Engineering to Impact - Luke Banks on Procurement and the Circular Economy

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, we’re joined by Luke Banks, Global Head of Contracts and Procurement at Plastic Energy, a business at the forefront of transforming plastic waste into a truly circular economy. Luke shares his journey from engineering into procurement, explaining why his move was a deliberate career choice rather than an accident. With experience spanning manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail and energy, he reflects on how a technical background can strengthen negotiation, supplier relationships and strategic decision-making. We explore how procurement supports Plastic Energy’s global sustainability mission, from responsible supplier onboarding and ESG metrics to risk analytics and strategic partnerships. Luke also offers candid insight into building procurement functions in fast-growing organisations, leading teams through change, and balancing strategy with operational delivery. The conversation dives into digital transformation, AI, and why well-implemented technology is essential for freeing procurement teams to focus on value rather than administration. Luke also shares what he looks for when recruiting procurement professionals, how the perception of procurement is evolving, and why communication skills are central to long-term success. To round off the episode, Luke talks about his passion for horology and what working in the mechanical watch industry taught him about craftsmanship, supply chains and pursuing work you genuinely care about. A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation on modern procurement, sustainability, leadership and career choices.

    45 min

  4. 16/12/2025

    The Procurement Myth Countdown - Christmas Special

    Welcome to a festive edition of Powering Procurement. To close out 2025, Sian and Gareth unwrap the top 12 myths that continue to shape perceptions of procurement across both public and private sectors. Drawing on insights from this year’s standout guests, including leaders from the FCA and the Cabinet Office, they explore why procurement is far more than cost cutting, why strong supplier relationships matter, why sustainability is now a strategic must, and how modern procurement teams influence business direction at the highest level. From the pitfalls of relying on spreadsheets to the growing role of software, from misconceptions about public vs private sector procurement to the all-too-common belief that procurement “slows things down,” this episode tackles the assumptions that hold the profession back. And of course, they finish with the biggest myth of all: that procurement is boring. With stories of risk, innovation, sustainability, competitive negotiation and even sourcing thousands of bottles of sparkling wine from Welsh vineyards, Gareth proves otherwise. Tune in for a lively, myth-busting Christmas countdown that celebrates the depth, diversity and real-world impact of modern procurement - and join us again in 2026 for more fresh perspectives on the profession.

    41 min

  5. 02/12/2025

    Reforming UK Procurement: Insights from the Cabinet Office with Lindsay Maguire

    The UK’s biggest procurement transformation in a generation is now live - but what does it really mean in practice? In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch sit down with Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the UK Cabinet Office, to unpack the thinking, ambition and real-world impact behind the new Procurement Act. Lindsay has played a central role in reshaping the UK’s post-Brexit procurement regime, championing transparency, flexibility, fair competition, and better access for SMEs. Her work spans everything from designing the new central digital platform to shifting evaluation from MEAT to MAT, embedding social value, and modernising how public bodies engage with markets. Together, Sian, Gareth and Lindsay explore: How the Procurement Act was shaped, and why flexibility and proportionality matter What early adopters are already doing differently - and the innovations emerging across the UK The rise of pre-market engagement and why it’s transforming supplier relationships The power of transparency: from pipelines to KPIs and contract performance Why culture, capability and systems are just as important as legislation How the new regime aims to open doors for SMEs and drive fairer competition Insightful, practical and future-focused, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating - or curious about - the new procurement landscape.

    40 min

  6. 18/11/2025

    From Policing to Finance: Paula Corfield’s Procurement Journey

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Paula Corfield, Senior Procurement Manager at Monmouthshire Building Society. With more than 20 years of experience spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, policing and finance, Paula has led procurement through complex change, cultural transformation and strategy development across multiple sectors. Together, Sian and Paula explore: How public-sector experience shaped Paula’s leadership and values The vital role of social value and community impact in both public and private procurement Breaking down barriers and building trust across teams and suppliers The importance of communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence in leading change Encouraging more women into senior procurement roles through mentoring and visibility Candid, inspiring and full of practical insights, this conversation shines a light on the human side of procurement - from resilience and leadership to purpose and progress.

    34 min

  7. 04/11/2025

    From Rolling Stock to Global Impact: Sam Pickford on Procurement’s Reach

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Sam Pickford, Head of Procurement at British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution. With over 15 years of experience spanning transport, social care, finance, and international investment, Sam brings a rare blend of public sector depth and commercial edge. From leading a £320 million rolling stock renewal for London Underground to building a procurement function that now supports investments across Africa and Asia, Sam’s career offers powerful lessons on resilience, risk, and purpose-driven procurement. Together, Sian and Sam explore: The unique challenges of procurement in emerging markets Balancing commercial priorities with social and development impact What Brexit, Covid and global supply shocks have taught us about resilience How AI and technology are reshaping procurement strategies Why saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock a truly diverse career Candid, insightful, and refreshingly pragmatic, this episode shines a light on the evolving role of procurement and why it’s a career path worth celebrating.

    35 min

  8. 21/10/2025

    From Foreign Office to FCA - Dominic Hastings on Procurement Leadership

    In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Dominic Hastings, Chief Procurement Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). With a career spanning public and private sectors - from the Foreign Office to NATS and now leading procurement at one of the UK’s most influential regulators - Dominic brings a wealth of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management and team leadership. Together, Sian and Dominic explore: How to build and sustain high-performing procurement teams in fast-changing environments What the UK’s procurement reform means in practice, and how to embrace the new freedoms The role of digital transformation in creating space for strategic impact Why procurement’s voice must be heard in the language of business, not just procurement The opportunities (and realities) of AI for procurement professionals today From Oxford PPE graduate to global development, consultancy and now regulatory leadership, Dominic’s career is a testament to curiosity, adaptability and a passion for people. This conversation shines a light on why procurement remains such a rewarding and impactful profession.

    34 min
See All (25)

About

Welcome to Powering Procurement, a podcast by Atamis, where we delve into the rapidly evolving world of procurement. In each episode, we feature in-depth conversations with industry leaders, technology innovators, and procurement professionals who share their insights on how digital technologies, AI, and data-driven decision-making are shaping the procurement landscape. Join us to gain actionable strategies and tools to enhance your procurement processes, reduce costs, and drive better decisions within your organisation.

Information

  • Creator
    Atamis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Atamis
  • Show Website
    Powering Procurement