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The Drum Recommends Procurement Associated British Foods

Associated British Foods global procurement lead calls on agencies to treat procurement 'with respect'

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By Natalie Mortimer, N/A

April 23, 2015 | 3 min read

Associated British Foods global procurement lead Andrew Lowdon has called on agencies "to enage and treat procurement" with respect to eradicate the challenges associated with the process.

Addressing an audience at the Recommended Agency Register (RAR) awards held in London last night (23 April), Lowdon stressed that having a level of understanding between agencies and the different types of personalities delivering the procurement role for brands will benefit both sides, citing an RAR membership as accelerating that harmonius relationship.

"If you are working out how to better engage with procurement you could start by truly understanding who you are dealing with and their level of experience," he said.

"Speak to them, ask about their roles, tease out their experience and god forbid, possibly you might be able to help them. But you are actually already helping in a way - by engaging with RAR and by being here tonight."

Lowdon explained how RAR helps British Associated Foods find the right agencies to work with, which helps minimise the cost of pitching to both agency and client.

Touching on Sir Martin Sorrell's comments on procurement when he blamed low growth in advertising on procurement at client companies, Lowdon disagreed and said that Sorrell has long taking a similar stance, with WPP prospering.

Lowdon also told agencies that they could "do more" during the procurement process particularly when it comes to commercials.

"I read the same trade press as you and I feel equally despondent about some of the recent coverage of procurement," he said. "Credit terms of, or exceeding 120 days, rebates, fees to remain a supplier, etc.

"I have a great deal of sympathy as I appreciate how hard it can be to run an agency. But I do think that in many cases as agencies you could do more to help yourselves, especially where it comes to commercials."

The Drum Recommends Procurement Associated British Foods

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