by Lawrence Webb, Global Head of Trade and Supply Chain, HSBC
The upside to the current volatile and uncertain market conditions is that they beget the opportunity to make truly exceptional changes to current practices, policies and procedures. CFOs/treasurers prepared to seize these opportunities will be doing far more than merely preparing for future difficult times, they will be risk-proofing their organisations and fine-tuning them for optimal financial performance.
The CFO’s Opportunities
Supply Chain Streamlining
The costs and risks in a disparate supply chain become more noticeable when trading conditions are weak. Given the trend towards forging fewer, more strategic supplier relationships, large buyers are increasingly focusing on supporting and developing relationships with core suppliers or those which have the potential to become so. In rationalising their trading partner relationships, supply chain risk and costs are minimised. Fewer suppliers handling larger orders are more likely to be willing or able to pass economies of scale back to the buyer and stability in trading relationships helps suppliers obtain financing - particularly in today’s credit environment.
Supply Chain Collaboration
