duction What would happen if Christmas trees were not available until Easter? How would you feel if you tried to buy a coffee at your favourite high street caf only to be told they had run out of coffee beans? Making sure the key components that a business or service relies on are available when needed is the responsibility of the purchasing role. Purchasing and supply - also known as procurement - may appear to be a 'hidden' function in many organisations. In fact,procurement is a highly strategic role, whether the organisation is manufacturing or service-orientated, in the public or private sector, for profit or not. Procurement is complex. It covers the full supply chain from contracts (negotiating), procurement (purchasing) and logistics (storage/distribution). All businesses need inputs in order to be able to operate. These might be physical inputs, such as raw materials, like engine components for a car manufacturer. They may also be service based, such as specialist engineering consultancy when trialling new technology or distribution services for a high street retailer. It is vital that inputs not only meet the required quality