Supplier management, made simple

Public procurement in the UK — £407 billion in 2023/24 — should, in theory, be a powerful lever for economic growth. It buys everything from IT infrastructure to prison catering, and it ought to be the friend of the small, nimble, and innovative.

You’ve likely seen the headlines—President Trump, back in the Oval Office, has reimposed sweeping tariffs on foreign goods, a move that sent tremors through global markets. But in a surprise twist, he’s now announced a 90-day pause on those tariffs, citing a desire to give U.S. allies and trade partners “room to adapt” (White House, 2025).

One minute, a vendor’s certified and compliant; the next, an invoice bounces back because their bank details changed six months ago. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Bad supplier data is more than an annoyance; it’s a hidden drain on time, money, and credibility.

If the title said you’ve got a “customer data problem”, you’d instantly react and want to know what can be done to fix it! This contrast in urgency perfectly articulates the problem with supplier data.