A massive congratulations to NEPO (North East Procurement Organisation) on reaching an incredible milestone: celebrating fifty years of public sector procurement excellence.
For half a century, NEPO has been at the forefront of delivering value, driving innovation, and championing best practices across the public sector. To be part of their 50th-anniversary celebration earlier this week was a proud moment for our team at SRSCC, as we came together with industry leaders to reflect on the past and, most importantly, look forward to the future of our profession.
What the Next Decade Holds for Procurement Professionals
The procurement and supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly. From navigating complex global supply chain disruptions to driving sustainability and social value, the expectations placed on procurement professionals have never been higher.
During the anniversary event, our Director of Education, Greg Jackson, had the absolute honour of joining an expert panel to discuss these very challenges. The panel explored a critical theme: what the next decade holds for our people in procurement.
Alongside esteemed industry leaders, Greg shared insights on:
- The AI Tipping Point: How machine learning and automation are moving from experimental tech to everyday infrastructure within the supply chain.
- Shifting Skill Sets: With AI increasingly automating routine and administrative tasks, procurement professionals must pivot towards strategic oversight, critical thinking, and system governance.
- The Human Element: Why understanding how to implement and govern these automated systems is becoming the most sought-after capability in modern procurement.
Empowering the Next Generation: Our NEPO Apprentices
While the panel discussions provided fantastic strategic foresight, one of the biggest highlights for us was on a much more personal level—catching up with some of the brilliant NEPO apprentices currently studying with us at SRSCC.
As NEPO’s chosen partner for procurement and supply chain training, we are incredibly proud of the progress these learners are making. Seeing our apprentices thriving, confidently networking at a major industry event, and engaging with senior leaders is exactly why we do what we do.
They are the absolute future of the procurement profession. Supporting their development as they build their careers and gain their CIPS qualifications is a privilege we do not take lightly.
Why Apprenticeships Drive Procurement Excellence
For organisations like NEPO, investing in procurement apprenticeships delivers transformative benefits:
- Fostering Fresh Talent: Apprentices bring new perspectives and innovative thinking to established procurement processes.
- Building Internal Capability: Structured training ensures teams are equipped with the latest industry standards and compliance knowledge.
- Retention and Growth: Empowering employees through dedicated career pathways creates loyal, highly skilled procurement specialists.
Here’s to the Next 50 Years
Reaching a half-century is no small feat, and NEPO’s continued commitment to driving public sector value is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. As the procurement landscape becomes increasingly driven by AI and automation, the need for agile, strategically minded professionals has never been more critical.
We are incredibly proud to partner with NEPO, ensuring their workforce is equipped not just to adapt to these digital shifts, but to actively lead them. Watching their apprentices—the next generation of procurement talent—embrace these new challenges fills us with immense confidence for the future of the profession.
