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Ever wonder how much personal data passes through your contracts, emails, and supplier handshakes? We sat down with Sara, a compliance lead who lives at the intersection of data protection, information security, and business continuity, to translate privacy law into buyer-friendly moves you can deploy today. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear guidance on where risk hides and how procurement can control it.

We break down what “personal data” really means, why work email addresses qualify, and how to choose and document the correct lawful basis without painting yourself into a corner later. Sara clarifies controllers vs processors, when you need a data sharing agreement versus a data processing agreement, and why robust clauses on purpose, retention, breach reporting, and international transfers are non-negotiable. You’ll learn how to handle supplier due diligence, flow down obligations to subcontractors, and raise the bar when special category or children’s data is involved.

We also tackle AI head-on: automated decision-making rights, the need for human review, and how to think about model training data, ethics, and transparency without freezing innovation. Plus, we unpack real-world fines and breaches from British Airways to healthcare ransomware to show what goes wrong when integrity and confidentiality are an afterthought. You’ll leave with practical steps for DSAR readiness, building a living ROPA, and SME-friendly resources that cut through noise.

If you touch contracts, vendors, or data, this conversation will sharpen your instincts and your documents. Subscribe, share with a colleague who owns vendor onboarding, and leave a review to tell us your biggest data protection challenge so we can answer it next time.

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Ever failed an exam and felt like it defined you? We’ve been there, and today we unpack a practical, no-fluff plan to turn repeated CIPS Level 4 setbacks into momentum. Starting from Kareem’s email, we map the exact steps to recover confidence and results: how to structure essay answers under pressure, how to read examiner reports for recurring patterns, and how to practise in a way that actually sticks on test day.

We dig into timing discipline for constructive responses, including a repeatable cadence of planning, structured points, and concise conclusions that keep you on the mark scheme. You’ll hear how to convert a handful of core procurement models—STEEPLE, Porter’s Five Forces, Kraljic, and basic financial ratios—into adaptable tools, supported by short real-world examples that prove application rather than theory-dumping. For multiple choice exams, we share our favourite tactics: eliminating noise, spotting negative stems, handling compound answers, and using large question banks that mirror CIPS style to build pattern recognition and confidence.

Support matters as much as study. We talk about building a calm pre-exam routine, choosing the right environment for focus, and tapping into communities and resources that make the journey less lonely. From YouTube explainers to robust mock exams, we outline a lean toolkit and a weekly cadence to track progress. Most of all, we keep it honest and human: past attempts are data, not destiny. Ready to try again with a better plan?

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more procurement pros can find us. Got a question or want feedback on your report? Email 2lukes1cip@gmail.com and we might feature it in a future episode.

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Ever wish stakeholders called procurement first, not last? We dig into a live MCIPS Corporate Award project aimed at fixing exactly that, using three levers—procurement efficiency, process automation and behavioural insights—to make early engagement the easiest path for the business. Along the way, we tackle the hot take that the Corporate Award is the “easy route,” share what CIPS accreditation actually says, and explain why assignments still demand rigour, evidence and real organisational impact.

We start with the accreditation noise and move quickly into the practicalities of a 10,000‑word project: defining a clear problem statement, proving viability, and getting manager sign-off. Then we break down the plan to reduce late involvement by cleaning up intake, standardising templates, and using guided workflows that route requests to the right people at the right time. For legal and finance, we discuss legal-ready packs, clause playbooks, and approval timing that avoids month end. For stakeholders, we use behavioural nudges, better framing, and small design choices—defaults, reminders, progress bars—that shift habits without heavy-handed change management.

Expect grounded tactics you can copy: choose one high-friction journey, map it, set success metrics like lead time and satisfaction, pilot the new flow, and publish before-and-after results. We also share how tutor checkpoints keep momentum, why scope discipline matters, and how a crisp data story builds credibility for the next wave of change. If you’re wrestling with late buy-in, slow legal queues, or unclear approvals, this is a playbook to speed decisions and earn trust through design, automation and human psychology.

If this helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a teammate who’s stuck chasing sign-offs—then tell us what you’d try first.

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A chance encounter at a wedding with a sportswear buyer kicks off a fast, funny, and deeply practical tour of the football kit business. We break down the hidden economics behind those £70 shirts using Porter’s Five Forces, showing where brand power wins, where it leaks, and how clubs and manufacturers really negotiate.

We start with the state of play: intense rivalry among Adidas, Nike, and Puma; contracts that churn every few years to refresh revenue; and why fans pay premiums even when material costs are low. From there, we get into barriers to entry at the top tier, the quiet role of multi‑club ownership in bundling deals, and what it takes for a new brand to be taken seriously by a Premier League team. It’s not price—it’s credibility, distribution, and launch reliability across global markets.

Substitutes cut from two sides. Material innovation tempts performance gains, but counterfeits hit harder, siphoning demand with £10 replicas. We talk practical defence: authenticity programmes, exclusive drops, better storytelling, and delivery that beats the grey market on experience, not just cost. Buyer power sits with the clubs—only 20 to sell to and all well‑informed—while supplier power belongs to factories that can scale ethically without missing day‑one demand. Along the way we test a make‑versus‑buy mindset for fitness brands eyeing football, and find niches where challengers can still win: women’s lines, training ranges, and even officiating kits if the proposition is bold enough.

If you’re curious how procurement logic, brand strategy, and fan emotion collide, this one delivers sharp insights with a smile. Subscribe, share with a friend who argues about kits every season, and leave a review to tell us which force you think dominates the modern game.

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Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

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Tariffs can feel like a policy headline—until they hit your PO, your budget, and your delivery dates. We unpack what a tariff really is, why governments reach for it, and how those choices cascade through price, lead time, and supplier behaviour. From sudden trade-war spikes to quietly expanding duty lists, we map the real routes by which costs climb and explain why “someone else will absorb it” is more wish than plan.

We walk through a practical playbook built for busy procurement teams. Start with risk visibility: use STEEPLE to spot geopolitical shifts, model best/base/worst cases, and translate scenarios into category actions. Then stabilise supply with smart options—onshoring for control, nearshoring for balance, and friendshoring to lean on reliable trade partners. Diversify suppliers before you need them, qualify alternates, and calculate total landed cost so you are optimising reality rather than the unit price. Where volatility bites hardest, reframe inventory: a tactical buffer of critical parts can be cheaper than firefighting expedites. Pair that with stronger SRM—offer term, volume, or faster payment in exchange for price holds, capped rises, or phased adjustments tied to objective indices.

If you are a top class procurement professional who cares about resilient supply chains, predictable margins, and fewer 11pm escalations, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with your team, and tell us which tariff tactic you’d use first—and why.

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We draw a clear line: season three starts now with a sharper format, stronger guests, and a promise to keep the humour while raising the bar. We share what’s coming—CIPS tutors, practical topics like data protection and team design, and a steadier hand on structure.

• Let's Talk Procurement season three is here!
• what listeners can expect from the two Lukes
• upcoming guests and episode insights
• invitation for listeners to get involved

Listen now on any good podcasting platform!

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Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

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A single ship lodged sideways for six days. Global trade paralyzed. Billions of dollars in goods delayed. The Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal wasn't just a maritime mishap—it was a wake-up call for procurement professionals everywhere.

When the massive container vessel blocked this critical waterway in March 2021, it created ripple effects that reached every corner of global commerce. Overnight, companies faced empty shelves, production delays, and frantic calls from customers. What exactly happened when this 400-metre behemoth ran aground, supposedly due to "strong winds"? And more importantly, what lasting impacts did it have on how we approach supply chain risk?

Through our signature blend of analysis and humor, we dissect this fascinating supply chain duck-up that affected everything from oil prices to electronics deliveries. We explore the critical role of force majeure clauses in contracts, questioning whether this truly qualified as an "act of God" or revealed deeper vulnerabilities in our logistics networks. As procurement professionals, should we have anticipated something like this? And how did the most successful companies respond when their carefully planned delivery routes suddenly vanished?

This episode offers valuable insights into business continuity planning, the limitations of just-in-time inventory models, and the strategic shifts toward nearshoring and diversified supply bases that followed the incident. Whether you're managing global supply chains or simply curious about how one sideways ship could cause $60 billion in losses, this conversation will change how you think about procurement resilience.

How would your organization handle a Suez-level disruption? We'd love to hear your perspective!

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Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

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What does Generation Z want from a career in procurement? And are industry bodies like CIPS missing the mark completely when trying to attract young talent?

In this thought-provoking episode, we dissect a recent CIPS article attempting to appeal to Gen Z procurement professionals—and why comparing the profession to "planning parties with cake and magic shows" might not be the most effective recruitment strategy. While procurement rarely features in school career fairs or university discussions, we explore why it should.

From driving sustainability initiatives to wielding significant financial influence, procurement offers many elements that align perfectly with what younger professionals seek in meaningful careers. We highlight how early exposure to senior leadership, engagement with cutting-edge technologies, and the ability to make tangible environmental and social impact make procurement an ideal choice for purpose-driven individuals.

But we don't shy away from the challenges either. The need for negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and comfort with confrontation might not appeal to everyone. We examine both the benefits and potential drawbacks of pursuing procurement as a career path for Generation Z.

Whether you're a procurement veteran wondering how to mentor the next generation or a young professional considering your career options, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of the profession. Connect with us at 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or on Instagram at lets_talk_procurement to continue the conversation!

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later