Event: Sussex Procurement Network Meet Up

We are very proud to sponsor the Sussex Procurement Network meet up. And, who better to fill you in on the meet up then the organiser Michael Angel.

If you are a procurement professional in Sussex this is definitely an event for your calendar! On the 7th of June at Jurys Inn (Brighton Waterfront) procurement peeps are meeting up to discuss the creation of the Sussex Procurement Network. Coupled with drinks and nibbles this is scheduled to be a brilliant collaborative event and the start of something even bigger. Here’s what Michael Angel had to say about it…

What prompted you to arrange the Sussex Procurement Network meet-up?

The Network was inspired from a rather provocative view I had on similar events held for Fellows of CIPS. That coupled with no real Network established in Sussex triggered that light bulb moment. I had a vision I wanted to establish a Network for Sussex based Procurement Professionals from all Sectors, Backgrounds and Roles that was a formal event with the feel of an informal event which allows for a relaxed atmosphere. I wanted to start something that could develop and evolve and have a positive impact on the profession. I also found that Networking was a skill that wasn’t massively utilised and that it can add value. The procurement profession is huge and vast. I wanted to be able bring that all together using that common ground, Procurement.

What you are hoping to get out of the Network?

I want for Procurement Professionals to be able to share their experiences, knowledge and insights as well as help support the development of upcoming Procurement Professionals too. Also want for Procurement Professionals to engage with each other and even look to explore potential collaboration and alliances in their areas of work. I want for attendees to come away from the event feeling a sense of togetherness and cohesion and even ownership. I want the event to be a foundation in which attendees will build layers upon moving forward and beyond.

Can you recommend any other events for procurement professionals?

I have been to so many events over the years. In recent times I’ve found the White Paper events very informative and relevant. Meet the buyer events tend to be good events if the mix of attendees and buyers are properly aligned. I attended CIPS Branch Events many moons ago, but sadly they dried up. Procurement Consortia events can be good events to attend for category based procurement professionals. Finding events with Procurement Professionals from all sectors is rare.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into procurement?

I have been in procurement for over 10 years now. Covered most of the Public Sector having started in the NHS and gradually moving across to Local Government and now ended up in Higher Education. I have also worked briefly in the Charity Sector. I have covered a multitude of categories ranging from Pathology Products and Services to Construction and Soft FM, from Health Services to Corporate Services, from Professional Services to IT. So I have been around the proverbial block. Initially I started my working career in Pharmacy in the NHS at the tender age of 17. It was mainly warehouse and distribution and it was inspiring to handle a vast array of medicines that you knew played a pivotal role in someone’s life for the better. I did that role for 8 years before the threat of redundancy meant a new horizon beckoned. As with I’d argue 99% of Procurement Professionals out there, I got into Procurement by pure chance. Happy accident as it were. Interviewed for a role as a Buyer in the same NHS Trust and the rest they say is history. I’ve never looked back.

What’s your advice for people looking to get into a career in procurement?

Variety they say is the spice of life. I would advise anyone who wanted to embark on a career in procurement to expect variety! It is a profession that provides complex challenges demands each and every day and requires you develop a variety of skills, tools and techniques. No one day is ever the same.