Global P&SC Awards: Argon & Co Wins Procurement Consultancy
Argon & Co has won the Procurement Consultancy Award at The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards.
"I'm in shock. I was quite happy just to be nominated, to be honest. We're doing a lot of this type of work at the minute and it's a lot of companies that are looking for support with logistics and procurement. So hopefully we can keep doing a lot more of that sort of work," said Chris Powell, Associate Partner at Argon & Co.
"I think it's just great to have it on our credit and great to be able to share with potential future clients that we achieved this," said Gosia Gower, Lead Consultant at Argon & Co.
CooperVision, a leading contact lens manufacturer, has undergone a significant procurement transformation with the help of consultancy firm Argon. The project aimed to address challenges arising from the company's rapid growth and the industry shift towards daily disposable lenses, which increased demand and logistical complexities.
Argon's approach began with a comprehensive 12-week operational review, analysing CooperVision's logistics procurement processes and costs. This initial phase involved consolidating data from 160 sources into an interactive dashboard, providing valuable insights into costs, flows and carbon emissions. The consultancy then engaged in a 14-week implementation phase, managing end-to-end tendering processes and optimising working capital.
A key aspect of Argon's methodology was the use of its proprietary tool, scprime®, which employs over 200 standardised questions to evaluate progress and identify gaps. This was complemented by the PROMPT2 approach, encompassing Argon's procurement methodology and sourcing process.
The transformation has yielded impressive results. CooperVision has realised 33% savings across 29 addressable lanes for global intercompany air shipments and 24% savings across six addressable lanes for road shipments. In European outbound logistics, the company achieved over 10% savings across three addressable lanes.
Argon's work extended beyond cost savings, addressing organisational structure and sustainability. The consultancy supported CooperVision in centralising its logistics procurement function and establishing a carbon emissions baseline using the ISO14083:2023 Standard, laying the groundwork for future decarbonisation efforts.
Dr Richard Gibson of CooperVision praised Argon's role, stating, "Argon has been a real extension to our team in delivering our procurement transformation. They have guided us every step of the way, from strategy to implementation, offering real expertise and guidance in optimising our procurement processes."
This successful collaboration demonstrates the value of strategic procurement consultancy in driving efficiency, cost savings and sustainability in complex supply chain environments.
The awards
Launched in 2024, The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards 2024 debuted at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London on 24, September.
The comprehensive programme acknowledges companies, professionals and projects that have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and strategic thinking in a multitude of categories.
The awards celebrate the best companies, professionals and projects in procurement and supply chain, and offer free entry for charities and NGOs.
“It was an honour to spotlight such a wide range of incredible companies at the inaugural Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards,” said Glen White, CEO of BizClik, Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
“At a time where it is crucial that companies are getting their global sourcing, risk & resilience and technology strategies right, it's important to celebrate the successes of those who have implemented and developed the key supply chain, procurement and logistics programs, especially when it has a positive impact on sustainable supply chains in the future.
“To host the awards during Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London is an incredible moment for the sector to celebrate, we encourage many more companies to enter our Awards for 2025.
“Thanks to every company that entered - it's important that you stay focused, motivated and continuously innovative and I am excited to see so much more of Generative AI when we meet again in a year.
“And a Big Congratulations to every company who entered, those that are highly commended and of course to our 14 winners – we appreciate your input more than you know.”
The Procurement Consultancy Award
Honouring consultant companies that have shown exceptional expertise and guidance to clients, driving procurement excellence and delivering measurable results.
- How has the consultant company demonstrated expertise and provided strategic guidance to clients in optimising their procurement processes and achieving desired outcomes?
- What specific consulting services or methodologies has the company developed or employed to drive procurement excellence and deliver measurable results?
- How has the consultant company effectively collaborated with clients to address their unique needs and challenges, develop tailored procurement strategies and implement best practices?
- How has the consultant company consistently delivered high-quality services, evidenced by positive client testimonials and successful procurement transformations?
The shortlisted companies included-
- Argon & Co.
- BearingPoint
- GEP
- Moglix
- Procurement Garage
Highly Commended: Procurement Garage & GEP
In the competitive world of procurement consultancy, two companies have recently made significant strides in transforming client operations and delivering measurable results.
Procurement Garage (PG) and GEP have both demonstrated their expertise through successful projects with major corporations, showcasing their ability to drive procurement excellence and achieve substantial cost savings.
PG's work with Alpargatas, a global apparel company, exemplifies their approach to procurement transformation. The consultancy tackled multiple challenges, including governance issues, lack of data visibility and inefficient processes. PG's four-phase methodology, encompassing assessment, implementation, strategic sourcing and e-procurement software selection, led to remarkable improvements.
Within a year, PG helped Alpargatas enhance its procurement function across various themes, including data visibility, spend control and process optimisation. Notably, PG's strategic sourcing initiatives resulted in $2.4 million in savings over six months.
Similarly, GEP's partnership with a leading US oil and gas company showcased their prowess in digital transformation. By implementing their proprietary GEP SMART platform, the consultancy streamlined procurement operations across multiple regions, achieving a data conversion accuracy rate exceeding 98%.
GEP's work extended to a pharmaceutical giant, where tailored strategies optimised the global supplier base, forecasting €500 million in savings.
Both consultancies have demonstrated a keen focus on technology integration to drive procurement excellence. PG's implementation of COUPA software for Alpargatas led to significant improvements in the requisition-to-pay process, with a 60% decrease in average approval time.
GEP's GEP SMART platform similarly enhanced operational agility and process visibility for their clients, increasing automation by 160% in one instance.
The success of these consultancies is evident in their client testimonials. A CFO from a global pharmaceutical company praised GEP's partnership, noting improved cost containment, enhanced cash flow and a more strategic role for procurement within the organisation.
These outcomes underscore the value that specialised procurement consultancies can bring to businesses seeking to optimise their supply chain operations and drive strategic value.
The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards 2024
Thanks to our esteemed panel of industry leaders who judged the awards:
- Jim Townsend, VP of Property & Procurement at Asda
- Alisa Bornstein, Chief Procurement Officer at Visa
- Daniel Weise, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group
- Benn Godfrey, Vice President of Procurement at Rolls Royce
- Roger Waring, Head of Procurement at UK Power Networks
- Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer at NHS England
- David Loseby, Professor of Research Impact in Supply Chain Management at Leeds University Business School
- Sheri Hinish, Principal/Senior Partner, Global Consulting Sustainability Technology and Ecosystems Leader at EY
- Brooke DiNatale, SVP of Global Treasury Solutions at Mastercard
The full list of awards categories for 2024 is:
- Procurement Transformation Award
- Digital Supply Chain
- Global Logistics Award
- Supplier Diversity Award
- Supply Chain Innovation
- Supply Chain Sustainability
- Procurement Technology
- Procurement Consultancy
- Future Leader
- Executive of the Year
- Project of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement
- Social Enterprise
- Start-Up
Essential diary dates for 2024 and 2025…
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE continues to expand its repertoire of events, with more to come in 2024 and 2025. Discover our essential diary dates below.
2024 diary dates:
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE | 6 November 2024
2025 diary dates:
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Singapore | 11 February 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Scope 3 | 5-6 March 2025
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE | 5-6 March 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Dubai | 29 April 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 4-5 June 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London | 23-24 September 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain Awards | 24 September 2025
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE Chicago | 4 November 2025
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