Procurement the 'cornerstone' of London 2012's commercial function

The procurement operations of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) are the cornerstone of all commercial activity and central to all of the group’s functions, it has been revealed recently.

Gerry Walsh, procurement director at LOCOG, told an audience of buyers and business directors in the UK recently that his team plays a vital role in enabling the event to be delivered successfully. He said by buying well and keeping costs down, other departments were able to spend money where it is needed.

During his speech at an event jointly hosted by CIPS and the Institute of Directors, Walsh said three aspects had been vital to the team’s success so far: getting a strong, dedicated team of experienced procurement professionals, placing people in different operational units to increase teamwork and communication, and starting early with a clear strategy.

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