"One
key aspect of any time I have either worked directly with,
or have spoken with those that have, is Iain's ability to
leave a lasting legacy in every workplace. The lasting
result of his impact is to have an organisation improved
both contractually and, most importantly, in its
people. Iain is someone we could all learn a
great deal from."
- J. M., Commercial
Directorate, Central UK Gov. Dept.
"[Client’s]
Procurement and Commercial Department were in their infancy
in regards to producing commercial strategy documents aimed
at and to influence senior management and board level
Directors therefore had much to do to gain credibility …
[Client had] 29 offices with devolved budgets and an archaic
system … Iain therefore had a big challenge as the system
did not report meaningful data. Bringing his high level of
professional knowledge and experience in supply chain, Iain
led the business through this step change, winning hearts
and minds through consultation with all sub categories of
spend (which was no mean feat in itself), and building up
trust and respect within [client] was able to produce a
quality strategy detailing all of our spend prioritising
options, recommendations and next steps. This strategy was
approved by the senior management team and [client] were the
first central government department to implement their
strategy and have their corporate services sourcing and
supply chain solution approved by the Cabinet Office.
The model Iain produced was subsequently shared with wider
HMG departments … where it was widely regarded as best
practice."
- A. S., Commercial
Directorate, Central UK Gov. Dept.
"Unlike
many other professional advisers, Iain's approach is
to listen to our requirements and concerns, discuss
different strategies to meet our goals and tailor
his advice to our needs rather than coming with a
pre-prepared approach. Iain's professional
advice is always well received by the team at
[client] and greatly appreciated. Iain's
expert input has made a real difference to our
success on a number of occasions. ... Iain has a
deserved high reputation within my network as a
commercial and procurement professional and as such
is held in high regard. I trust Iain
implicitly as a professional adviser with a wide
range of commercial skills."
- G. S., Managing
Director, Logistics Consultancy
"As Head of Sales at [client], I
have dealt with many procurement experts over the years,
although Iain stands head and shoulders above them all. His
insistence on ensuring that is client gets the best possible
deal available allows for transparent negotiations and clear
implementation strategies from the very beginning."
- A. H., Head of Sales,
Utilities Consultancy
"Over time we have put all Iain’s
recommendations into practice and the company has gone from
strength to strength. Iain continues take an interest in our
business and continues to help and provide much needed
advice. I would highly recommend Iain to any prospective
business client in need of sound, professional and
insightful advice."
- M. F., Managing
Director, Wholesale & Retail Chain
"Running a team of procurement
consultants and having over 20 years of experience, I
recognise Iain Steel as one of the top procurement
consultants within our profession in the UK. ... I have seen
at close quarters the exacting standards to which Iain
works. I would confidently use Iain on any of our
projects because I know he shares my passion for providing a
high level of service for clients and for maximising value
for money for them. Iain will always do what is best
for his clients."
- D.M., Managing
Director, Procurement Consultancy
"Iain quickly developed
strategies to deal with our £30m per year category budget.
This resulted in savings for the company of over £8m per
year. I would not hesitate to recommend Iain Steel to
anyone."
- N. M., Operations
Director, S&P 100 Company
"Iain
negotiated, contracted and implemented processes across all
our managed and franchised stores for all consumable items.
The project led to a 15% annual savings on consumables
... and identified savings of c18% on energy and utilities."
- J. K., Group Finance
Director, High-Street Retail Chain
"Iain's ability to work tirelessly to deliver
exceptional results is unsurpassed. Iain provided high level
analysis to our board on our marketplace and this led to
significant savings. ... He has provided assistance with
tailoring tender responses and this has increased our win rate
to over 60%. ... Never afraid to "swim against the tide"; tell
you his opinion and back it up with facts, Iain makes a
difference."
- N. M., Managing
Director, Communications Company
"During my tenure as Marketing Director at [Client] I
was a member of the Executive Board whose responsibility was the
oversight of the company, the transition to the Financial Conduct
Authority and the products / services offered to consumers. Iain
was fundamental in securing significant cost savings for the
business through a comprehensive review of the company’s
procurement processes and introducing a formal, structured
approach. Iain directly supported myself and the marketing team
across a range of projects, in particular he secured more
favourable and fairer contract terms for our multi-£m spend with
our media agency. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his
services to anyone requiring a professional procurement
specialist."
- J. W., Marketing
Director, Retail Financial Services
"Although I was an experienced procurement professional, I
initially approached Iain to gain knowledge in a procurement area
I was unfamiliar with. Iain provided me with sound advice on a
negotiation strategy relevant for the Marketing arena as well as
advising me on strategic directions in which to consider for a
project that would see a PSL being implemented for the
Professional Services category. The advice and coaching he
provided undoubtedly helped me succeed in meeting the financial
and strategic goals of these projects. Thereafter, I had no
hesitation in asking for his advice in any procurement area as he
was always willing to discuss ideas and strategies which helped to
bring solutions to tasks and although he would guide the
discussion in a structured way he did not force his ideas. The
Ideal coach."
- J. G, Procurement
Consultant, Coaching Client
