Procurement & Supply Chain

For most Australian small and mid-market businesses, supply chain is managed reactively — dealing with stockouts, chasing late deliveries and renegotiating supplier terms when things go wrong. In a stable market, this approach is costly but manageable. In a disrupted one, it's a serious business risk. The businesses that navigate supply chain pressure best aren't the ones that get lucky — they're the ones that built structured, resilient supply chains before the crisis hit. A

If your business spends more than $500,000 annually on goods and services — from raw materials and packaging to IT, contractors and logistics — there's a strong chance procurement is costing you more than it should. Not because you're doing anything wrong, but because most Australian SMEs were never taught how to buy strategically. They were taught how to run their product or service. Buying efficiently came later, if at all. The Real Price Tag of Poor Procurement The average

Tendering for large commercial contracts, government procurement and agency work is one of the fastest routes to scale for Australian small and medium businesses. The rewards are significant - but so are the risks. Common capability gaps, high up-front costs, complex compliance and intense competition mean many SMEs miss out or win contracts that damage cashflow and margins. This article explains the main challenges, common mistakes, practical improvements, and a conservative

Many businesses with in‑house procurement teams rightly ask: why pay a consultant when we already have capable people on staff? It’s a fair question. Outsourcing any activity carries cost and perceived risk. The decision should be pragmatic - not emotional - and focused on outcomes. Here’s why bringing a specialist procurement consulting firm like HunterStone can be a strategic accelerator for procurement projects, even where internal capability exists. Respecting your intern

Small business owners often face the challenge of managing cash flow while avoiding excess or aged inventory that ties up valuable resources. Effective procurement strategies can help balance purchasing needs with financial health, ensuring that stock levels meet demand without causing cash flow problems. This post explores practical approaches to small business purchasing, including supplier management and international buying, tailored to the unique needs of Australian smal

In today's competitive landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is by optimizing your supply chain. A well-optimized supply chain can lead to immediate returns on investment (ROI), enhancing profitability and customer satisfaction. In this blog post, we will explore practical steps to optimize your supply chain, backed by real-world examples and actionable insights. A well-or

In today's competitive landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is through strategic procurement . This approach not only streamlines purchasing processes but also fosters better supplier relationships and drives overall business performance. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamentals of strategic procurement, its benefits, and how to implement it effectively in your