BEST PRACTICE: Procurement – Revenge of the nerd?

The subject of procurement and marketing is nothing if not contentious. “I'd love to!” was the response from procurement professionals when asked if they'd like to contribute to this feature, and muse over the thorny issue of procuring marketing services.

The shrill, almost blood-curdling, enthusiasm seemed to come less from a desire to share ideas, than from the relished prospect of getting one over on marketers; finally giving it straight to the bully boys. Like Columbine, but with less bloodshed, this felt like the revenge of the nerd.

While marketing is viewed as the sexy, creative, devil-may-care Adonis of the sixth form, procurement is the spotty bookworm with itchy trousers.