Let's Talk Procurement

Hosted by Two Lukes, One CIP

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Let's Talk Procurement" - the procurement podcast where Lukes 1 and 10 navigate the wild world of purchasing with a side of humour and a dash of dad jokes. 🛍️ Join Luke 1, the procurement prodigy, and Luke 10, the tender-hearted jokester, as they untangle the knotty world of supply chains and contracts, one laugh at a time. From negotiating deals to chasing down the best bulk discounts, these Lukes have it all covered – and yes, they'll probably throw in a few puns along the way. Take a break from the text books & join us on the journey to procurement enlightenment served with a smile and a sprinkle of procurement magic! 🌟✨ Feel free to get in touch with us on our socials or 2lukes1cip@gmail.com. https://linktr.ee/letstalkprocurement Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are like coffee preferences – diverse and subject to change. The hosts may spill the beans on their thoughts, but they don't claim to be everyone's cup of tea. Listener discretion is advised. Remember, it's all in good fun and the only thing brewed here is a blend of entertainment and conversation with a hint of education. Sip responsibly! ☕🎙️

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 1146 min

S3.E11. Procurement Under Pressure: Procurements most pressing topics

Send us Fan MailProcurement can feel like the job where every problem lands, even when you do not control the root cause. We start by catching up on a listener’s hunt for buyer and procurement assistant roles, why apprenticeships (including CIPS Level 4 pathways) can be a real shortcut to credible experience, and the one skill we both wish we had built earlier: staying calm when a supplier call turns heated, then steering it back to commitments and next steps.From there we tour r/procurement on Reddit and tackle a question loads of people quietly ask: is procurement or supply chain the highest-stress corporate role? We unpack why the pressure comes from every direction finance, operations, suppliers, and leadership targets and why doing your job well can be oddly invisible. We also debate whether sales is more stressful, and why logistics often carries a sharper, time-critical edge than indirect procurement.We then get into money and measurement: should you be able to negotiate pay based on “savings achieved”? We explore why savings definitions vary, how incentives can drive the wrong behaviour (cheapest over best value), and what healthier target models can look like. Finally, we talk AI and automation, the fear of making yourself obsolete, and the skills that stay valuable: stakeholder leadership, risk judgement, and building trust across the business. If you enjoy honest procurement career advice and real-world stories, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave us a review.Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

May 19, 2026Episode 1025 min

S3.E10. Force Majeure In Procurement

Send us Fan MailForce majeure gets tossed around whenever the world gets messy, but most procurement teams only discover what their clause really says when a supplier is already late. We take a clear, buyer-friendly look at how force majeure works in supply chain contracts, what it can legitimately excuse, and why “boilerplate” wording can quietly shift risk onto you at the worst possible time.We start with a quick catch-up while Luke’s away travelling, then tackle a listener question that hits home for plenty of people building a career in purchasing: after completing CIPS Level 4, should you take the exam path or the assignment route, and how do you pitch employer funding. We talk through the practical trade-offs, including how businesses think about paying per exam versus paying upfront for an assignment programme, and why employer sign-off can become a real constraint if you change jobs mid-way.Then we get into the main event: force majeure clauses and modern disruption. Using real-world pressures like chip shortages, conflict-driven route changes, and the post-pandemic habit of explicitly listing pandemics, we lay out three checks to validate a claim: the event must be covered by the wording, it must genuinely prevent or seriously hinder performance, and the supplier must show reasonable mitigation. We also cover what happens next in contract terms, including notice requirements, suspension of obligations, whether payments should pause, allocation of scarce supply, and when termination rights should kick in.If you want stronger contract drafting and calmer supplier conversations when things go wrong, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave us a review, then tell us: what’s the biggest weakness in your current force majeure wording?Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

April 7, 2026Episode 927 min

S3.E9 How Procurement Thinking Can Stretch A South America Travel Budget

Send us Fan MailForty-seven and a half hours before a flight, Luke admits he has not packed, has no local currency, and only has a rough budget for a four to six month backpacking trip across Central and South America. So we do what we do best: drag travel planning into the world of procurement and see if cost control can survive contact with real life. If you care about smart spending, practical budgeting, and making better choices under pressure, this one hits close to home.We translate procurement techniques into travel decisions you can actually use. We talk about standardising what you buy so you avoid gold plating, challenging demand so “just one more” does not wreck your travel budget, and using simple spend rules for the categories that quietly drain cash. We also get into benchmarking the cost of living across countries, including a brilliant backpacker shortcut using the price of beer and accommodation, then we take a detour into the Big Mac Index as a surprisingly useful reference point.From there we explore the “supplier” side of travel: when consolidating through a tour company might save effort, when it might cost more, and how to think about payments like a procurement pro. We cover international bank cards, prepaid travel cards, currency conversion, and the small value-adds that stack up over months, like points and cashback. We finish with the realities of solo travel, including how sharing taxis and splitting accommodation can reduce unit costs without cutting the fun.If you enjoy procurement, personal finance, or travel hacks with a bit of semi-funny banter, subscribe, share the episode with a mate who needs to budget better, and leave us a review. What’s your no-nonsense rule for keeping spending under control while travelling?Grab yourself a copy of the incredible debut novel from C Toms-Arbel here: https://amzn.to/3Q5IcWU Please note that this is an affiliate link. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

March 17, 2026Episode 828 min

S3.E8. Has Procurement got..Easier? 1990s CIPS v 2026 CIPS

Send us Fan MailA listener asks a simple question that every procurement professional should take personally: what can we do right now to stay future-proof over the next five years? Our first instinct is to joke about AI hype and quitting to “find yourself”, but the real answer sits underneath the banter: the best way to future-proof your procurement career is to build durable skills that survive new tools, new job titles, and the next wave of “must-have” tech.Then we do something oddly practical for a show full of chaos, we open up CIPS past papers from the mid-1990s and read what counted as expert purchasing knowledge. International purchasing case studies, transfer pricing, global contract terms, countertrade, customs duties, and a surprisingly sharp question on procurement ethics across different countries. It’s a reminder that supply chain management is not just strategy slides and stakeholder engagement, it’s also trade mechanics, contracting, logistics, and knowing how to protect delivery, quality, and long-term performance.We also compare those older exam themes with modern CIPS Level 5 and Level 6 modules, and you can hear the shift towards category management, negotiation, teams, and stakeholder management. The takeaway is not nostalgia, it’s balance: keep your commercial fundamentals strong, stay curious about technology like AI, and don’t let the “new” procurement role erase the hard edges that still matter when contracts go wrong.If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a procurement mate, and leave us a review. What skill do you think will matter most in procurement by 2030?Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

March 3, 2026Episode 735 min

S3.E7. The final Procurement assignment: Does Luke 10 get his CIPS?

Send us Fan MailWe turn a silly pun challenge into a serious guide to passing the Advanced Practitioner project and building change that lasts. It ends with a live CIPS results reveal at the airport and a cheer as the plane boards. Will Luke 10 get his final pass of the journey? Will we ever hear from him again??• how to frame an assignment title that wins approval• primary research using stakeholder interviews• programme vs project and why it matters• structuring a 10,000-word business case• behavioural science for stakeholder buy-in• efficiency tactics that save time and build trust• cost–benefit analysis and implementation planning• project surgeries, timelines, and self-discipline• live results reveal and next steps for travelSupport the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

February 10, 2026Episode 634 min

S3. E6. Procurement Frameworks Made Simple, Really Simple

Send us Fan MailWe answer a listener’s question on breaking into procurement, then unpack how frameworks speed buying while staying compliant. Along the way we share real CCS evaluation insight, social value pitfalls, and where a DPS can beat a framework.• translating a law degree into procurement advantage• core procurement cycle from need to contract management• interview tactics using everyday buying examples• stakeholder triage and relationship cadence• what framework agreements are and why they matter• CCS evaluation panels and pass–fail social value• pros and cons of frameworks for buyers and suppliers• when to consider dynamic purchasing systems instead• transparency, audit trails, and market access trade-offs“Only a low low price of $59.99. Non-negotiable. Only... you can negotiate up.”Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

January 6, 2026Episode 513 min

S3. E5. We Share Big Life Updates And Tease A Packed Procurement Lineup For 2026

Send us Fan MailWe share a quick check‑in from a cold January, outline what’s coming in 2026, and talk through Luke’s sabbatical plans with a mix of jokes and practical next steps. From a CIPS tutor session to vintage exam papers, we set a path for useful, human, and curious episodes.• 2026 preview with banked episodes and production update• CIPS tutor insights and assignment module results on the way• Will Luke qualify or fall short question teased• 1993 exam papers and how the profession has shifted• Sabbatical plans, remote recording, and response expectations• Travel route ideas using listener locations• Everyday carry and buying the right travel kit• Light procurement back-to-basics with real trade-offsGet your messages for Luke in within the next six weeks and he will make sure he answers all of them every single question that you send inSupport the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

December 16, 2025Episode 446 min

S3.E4. Data Protection Essentials for Procurement Professionals

Send us Fan MailEver 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.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

December 2, 2025Episode 325 min

S3.E4. From Setbacks To Passes: Practical CIPS Procurement Exam Retake Strategies

Send us Fan MailEver 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.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later

November 17, 2025Episode 333 min

S3.E3. How Procurement Automation Wins Trust, Time and Stakeholder Buy-in

Send us Fan MailEver 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.Support the showPlease 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.ukIt would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice, Cya Later