Achilles Group News

Public Procurement: Global Revolution IV International Conference

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-11-04T13:30:00+00:00

A two day international conference at the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus Conference Centre, April 19-20th, 2010.

Achilles to host ‘ONCE 2009 Fall Global Executive Summit’

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-10-16T10:00:00+01:00

The Open Network for Commerce Exchange (ONCE) and Achilles Group, one of the largest supplier management service providers in the world, are to host the ONCE 2009 Fall Executive Summit, from the 18-20th October, at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, UK, bringing together the world’s leaders in B2B e-commerce to discuss in a peer to peer environment “P2PDuring Global Economic Recession”.

Colin Maund named as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® 2009: IT Services

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-10-08T12:30:00+01:00

Abingdon 8th October 2009: Colin Maund, CEO of The Achilles Group was awarded with Ernst & Young’s UK Entrepreneur of the Year Award® 2009 for IT Services, at a reception sponsored by the CBI, in London on the evening of the 6th October.

APUG hold First South China Cluster Meeting

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-10-06T13:30:00+01:00

The first APUG South China Cluster meeting hosted by CLP Power Hong Kong was held on 24th and 25th of September and brought together a network of procurement professionals.

Achilles to Speak at Procurement Leaders Forum

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-09-28T11:00:00+01:00

Achilles are delighted to be speaking at the Procurement Leaders Forum 2009 which takes place in Amsterdam on the 14th October.

Achilles strengthens Senior Management Team

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-08-13T11:00:00+01:00

Achilles, has expanded its senior management team this month with two new hires.

Visit Achilles at Offshore Europe 2009

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-08-04T09:30:00+01:00

FPAL will once again be exhibiting during Offshore Europe 2009, however this year, you will find us in stand 1037 in the heart of Exhibition Zone 2.

Achilles wins Microsoft's Gold Award for the Fourth Time

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-08-03T10:00:00+01:00

Microsoft has once again awarded Achilles its highest partnership status - gold – for the fourth time.

Achilles offer the World’s First Internationally Accredited Greenhouse Gas Certification Programme

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-07-22T13:30:00+01:00

Achilles partner Landcare Research, has achieved the first ever ISO 14065 accreditation for its greenhouse gas certification programmes

Achilles CEO named as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of the Year® 2009

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-06-29T14:30:00+01:00

Colin Maund, CEO of Achilles has been named as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2009 Winner London & South Region. He was selected from over 100 finalists to receive this award and will now go forward to a national final in October to compete with 53 top executives from across the UK for the title Ernst & Young Overall UK Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Congratulations to Coutts – Winners of the Outward Bound Charity Challenge 2009

Jason Stapleton — 2009-06-08T09:30:00+01:00

Achilles is delighted to congratulate Coutts on becoming the 2009 winners of the Outward Bound Professional Charity Challenge.

The Outward Bound Trust Awarded International Carbon Footprint Certification

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-05-18T13:30:00+01:00

The Outward Bound Trust has become one of the first organisations in the UK to be awarded the Carbon Emissions Management and Reductions (CEMARS) certification.

Full Attendance at Achilles Competitive Dialogue Conference

Laura Clarke — 2009-05-05T12:00:00+01:00

The latest Achilles Competitive Dialogue conference attracted a full house last week, proving that this new procurement method continues to flourish.

Slovenské elektrárne, a.s., a member of Enel Group, and Italian-Slovak Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia host Partnership Workshops for Utility suppliers

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-04-08T13:30:00+01:00

Slovenské elektrárne, a member of Enel Group, in cooperation with the Italian-Slovak chamber of commerce and the Italian Embassy in Slovakia, have launched a series of suppliers’ workshops with Achilles, a renowned sustainable procurement services’ qualification company.

Achilles Workshop Offers Clarity on Framework Agreements

Laura Clarke — 2009-03-30T09:30:00+01:00

An Achilles workshop, run by two of the UK’s foremost experts in EU procurement, took place last week to help delegates understand the complexity surrounding the topical issue of framework agreements. .

Warriors Return: Achilles Customers and Staff Complete the Outward Bound Professional Charity Challenge

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-03-27T14:30:00+00:00

The final heat of the Outward Bound Professional Charity Challenge, sponsored by Achilles, took place at the weekend. The teams undertook gladiatorial challenges that required both brain and brawn to survive a weekend of outdoor activities to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust.

Achilles to continue collaboration with Oxford University’s Said Business School

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-03-23T09:30:00+00:00

Achilles Group is pleased to confirm the continuation of their collaborative work with the Oxford University Said Business School. The Oxford-Achilles Working Group on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides a forum for debate on supply chain issues, inviting representatives from both industry and academia to provide insight into this topical area of debate.

Achilles carbonReduction Programme Awards first CEMARS Certification

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-02-23T11:00:00+00:00

Achilles is pleased to announce that MWH UK has become its first client to receive CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme) certification in association with the Achilles carbonReduction programme.

South Pole Success for Achilles Chairman

Charlotte Vereker — 2009-01-19T15:00:00+00:00

Achilles chairman Kevin Gaskell and his son Matt have successfully completed their attempt to reach the South Pole unsupported

New University of Nottingham LLM/Diploma/Certificate Programme in Public Procurement Law and Policy

Jason Stapleton — 2008-12-22T09:00:00+00:00

The University of Nottingham, School of Law, has formally launched an innovative new LLM/Diploma/Certificate programme in Public Procurement Law and Policy (Executive Programme).

E-TASC (Electronics - Tool for Accountable Supply Chains) Expands East: Chinese Language Version Now Available.

Charlotte Vereker — 2008-12-08T15:00:00+00:00

The leading tool for managing accountability in the electronics supply chain, E-TASC (Electronics - Tool for Accountable Supply Chains), has launched a Chinese language version.

Change to UK VAT rate - Customer Notice

Jason Stapleton — 2008-11-25T13:00:00+00:00

You can’t have missed today’s news that UK Chancellor Alistair Darling has cut the rate of VAT to 15%. The VAT change takes effect from 1st December 2008 and will last until the end of 2009.

Achilles congratulate ProcureCon 2008 Sustainability Award Winners

Charlotte Vereker — 2008-11-20T15:00:00+00:00

AkzoNobel, the Dutch based paints, coatings and specialty chemicals company, beat off competition from global giants Hewlett Packard and British Telecom to take the award for Sustainablity at this year’s ProcureCon Awards. The award, sponsored by Achilles, is presented to companies that have demonstrated true leadership in driving the sustainablity agenda in procurement forward.

Achilles Lead the Debate in Sustainable Procurement

Charlotte Vereker — 2008-11-03T11:30:00+00:00

Achilles, the leading supplier management services company, joined forces with key business leaders in the procurement field to host an interactive roundtable session on the topical issue of sustainable procurement at the latest Procurement Leaders Forum in Amsterdam.

Alea Iacta Est (The Die is Cast) - Let Battle Commence!: Achilles support The Outward Bound Professional Charity Challenge 2009

Jason Stapleton — 2008-10-21T15:30:00+01:00

Achilles, the leading supplier management services company, is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the 2009 Outward Bound Professional Charity Challenge set to take place in March 2009.

Must contracting authorities now play poker with all their cards face up?

Jason Stapleton — 2008-09-15T16:00:00+01:00

A number of recent cases have made it clear that there should be full disclosure of how tenders are to be assessed.

CPV codes are changing!

Jason Stapleton — 2008-09-05T13:00:00+01:00

The CPV codes are changing on the 12th September 2008. Currently there are 7,000 plus CPV codes; this will change to 10,000 plus codes. Some codes are new; some codes are the same; other codes have had descriptions or code changed.

ProSP, a new supplier classification and registration system for the public sector

Jason Stapleton — 2008-07-11T11:00:00+01:00

The suppliers' system ProSP will be launched next 14th of July giving service to Egmasa, (Environmental Management Company) public company of Andalucia.

HgCapital invests in Achilles

Jason Stapleton — 2008-06-13T19:15:00+01:00

HgCapital, the European sector-focused private equity investor, today announced that it is investing in Achilles Group Ltd (“Achilles”), a global leader in services for sustainable procurement focusing on buyer-sponsored supplier data management and validation services.

Utility buyers engage with suppliers on CR in the supply chain

Laura Clarke — 2008-06-12T16:00:00+01:00

The recent Achilles Corporate Responsibility in the Supply Chain conference in Birmingham, was a valuable and informative day. The conference was heralded as a very successful insight into CR a current key industry topic and worthwhile for all delegates.

GMR Energy Limited from India joins APUG

Jason Stapleton — 2008-06-10T09:30:00+01:00

GMR Energy Limited, joins Jindal Power and CESC, as recent new members of APUG from India.

Delegates 'collaborate' at the Ethical Corporation conference

Laura Clarke — 2008-06-04T14:30:00+01:00

Collaboration is the key to improving corporate responsibility in supply chains. That was the conclusion of a successful workshop hosted by Achilles at the 7th Responsible Business Summit in London last month.

The new FPAL service…the Evolution

Jason Stapleton — 2008-06-04T12:00:00+01:00

2008 heralds an exciting year for FPAL, the system which has provided the backbone of oil & gas supplier selection for over 10 years is set for a new look and feel.

Achilles and APUG to exhibit at CEPSI 2008

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-28T09:30:00+01:00

Achilles and APUG will be exhibiting at CEPSI 2008, from 27th to 31st October 2008.

Achilles attends May Day Summit

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-22T14:00:00+01:00

Achilles recently attended a regional event as part of the Business in the Community (BiTC) May Day Summit on the 1st May 2008, to host a market stall promoting Achilles’ new carbon footprinting programme, CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme).

Achilles - Gold Sponsors of the Responsible Business Summit

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-22T14:00:00+01:00

Achilles were recently gold sponsors of the Ethical Corporation Responsible Business Summit held in London on May 13th and 14th. The Summit included a two day conference plus exhibition and was attended by several hundred delegates all interested to hear about recent developments in the field of corporate responsibility and discuss emerging best practice for communicating, implementing and monitoring corporate responsibility within organisations and more widely through supply chains.

connvenio – the Supplier Information System for the transport sector in Germany soon

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-20T08:00:00+01:00

For many years Achilles Nordic (Scandinavia), Achilles UK and Achilles Spain/Portugal has already been working with privatised and state-operated organisations from the transport industry. Today we can announce that three German public transport companies – in particular Rheinbahn (Düsseldorf), BOGESTRA (Bochum-Gelesenkirchener Straßenbahn) and üstra (Hannoversche Verkehrsbetriebe) – have come to the decision that Achilles develops and operates a tailored online supplier information and management system.

Connexio grows with a Danish utility

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-16T11:30:00+01:00

DONG Energy A/S signs up for Connexio

Power Utilities from India join APUG

Jason Stapleton — 2008-05-09T09:30:00+01:00

Jindal Power and CESC have both recently joined APUG further expanding the network of buyers and suppliers across India and the Asia Pacific Region.

Who is ‘Responsible’ for corporate responsibility in the supply chain?

Laura Clarke — 2008-04-30T14:30:00+01:00

Achilles is running a Corporate Responsibility (CR) conference in Birmingham in June aimed specifically for suppliers who work with UK Utilities. The conference will include a number of presentations and workshops covering the implementation of CR in the supply chain, what Utilities expect of suppliers who are looking to work with them and how companies should be reporting and communicating their CR activities.

Achilles Group heads for OTC 2008

Jason Stapleton — 2008-04-24T14:00:00+01:00

Achilles Group, with First Point International, and an official delegation from Norway, will be attending Offshore Technology Conference 2008.

Achilles team tops Charity Challenge leaderboard

Jason Stapleton — 2008-04-21T13:00:00+01:00

A fiercely-contested but good-natured final saw 12 teams battling it out for first place in the Achilles-sponsored Outward Bound 2008 Charity Challenge final over the weekend.

Achilles brings carbon footprinting into the supply chain

Laura Clarke — 2008-04-18T15:30:00+01:00

Achilles is adding to its sustainable procurement services by bringing a world class carbon footprinting program to supply chains in the UK Utilities Sector.

Procurement becoming central to corporate competitiveness concludes Achilles London forum

Jason Stapleton — 2008-04-11T09:30:00+01:00

In the second day of the Achilles supply chain and procurement community forum, delegates heard how procurement is becoming increasingly vital for corporate competitiveness and sustainability.

International Procurement Community Rendezvous in London

Jason Stapleton — 2008-04-09T16:00:00+01:00

Leading supply-chain manager Achilles partnered with European Leaders in Procurement (ELP) to host a well-attended two day supply chain and procurement community conference which commenced today in London’s West End.

Achilles strives in Charity Challenge to reach final and demonstrates commitment to CSR

Laura Clarke — 2008-04-07T11:00:00+01:00

Leading supply-chain manager, Achilles, has secured a place in the Outward Bound Charity Challenge Final. Sponsored by the firm as part of its CSR program, the Challenge raises money for under-privileged young people to attend outdoor educational courses.

Significant implications for the risks attaching to procurement processes, in the public and utility sectors

Jason Stapleton — 2008-04-01T11:00:00+01:00

Amongst the court case summaries recently added to THEMiS is the Newham case in the UK courts, which, taken with the ECJ case Lianakis seems to substantially expand the amount of information that regulated purchasers must make available to suppliers.

Achilles launch website to complement their new brand identity

Jason Stapleton — 2008-03-26T15:00:00+00:00

The new look Achilles Group website was launched on Tuesday 25th March.

First-Ever Achilles Global Users Event Opens Doors To Non-Customers

Jason Stapleton — 2008-03-04T10:00:00+00:00

Demand for Achilles’ first-ever international conference in central London this spring is on the up – and the pressure isn’t only coming from existing customers.

Places going fast for first-ever Achilles Global User Conference

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-28T10:30:00+00:00

Demand for Achilles’ first-ever international conference for customers (buyers) in central London this spring is on the up – and organisers are encouraging would-be delegates to make sure of their place by booking early.

Bacon butties raise cash for Cancer Research!

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-27T15:00:00+00:00

A taste bud tingling combination of bacon rolls and hand-made pancakes encouraged Abingdon-based Achilles staff to part with their cash earlier this month in a special fund-raising session to earn some cash for charity.

Thames Water man joins Achilles as Utilities Director

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-27T11:30:00+00:00

A NEWCOMER TO Achilles, Carl Millington, has been appointed as Director, Utilities, based in the Abingdon, UK office.

I-Faber and Achilles announce new partnership deal

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-19T11:30:00+00:00

i-Faber – a UniCredit Group company and European leader in the delivery of web-based services and solutions designed to manage procurement activities, and global supplier management company Achilles have joined forces in a new partnership announced this week.

Making sense of CSR - free seminar from Achilles & Oxford University

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-14T16:30:00+00:00

Making sense of corporate social responsibility – a study of the implementation process – is the focus of the next seminar planned by the Oxford-Achilles Working Group on CSR.

Sell-out conference 'hits the spot' for delegates

Jason Stapleton — 2008-02-11T16:30:00+00:00

Very comprehensive, relevant and helpful – those were the general views of delegates attending the sell-out Achilles-organised conference ‘Operating Competitive Dialogue’.

Neil Willings To Head Up New Achilles Assessment Services

EPiServer Administrator — 2008-01-28T14:00:00+00:00

Neil Willings has joined Achilles as Managing Director for the company’s newly-established Assessment Services business.

International Conference Unveiled By Achilles

EPiServer Administrator — 2008-01-18T09:30:00+00:00

Achilles is to hold its first-ever international conference for customers (buyers) in central London this Spring – with a host of topics on the agenda.

Fairtrade – Is It Working? Free CSR Seminar From Achilles & Oxford University

EPiServer Administrator — 2008-01-17T11:00:00+00:00

Are the principles behind the increasingly popular ‘Fairtrade’ approach to ethical sourcing and supply working in reality – or is the achievement of its ideals falling short of the target?

UN CSR Progress Report Published By Achilles

EPiServer Administrator — 2008-01-07T09:30:00+00:00

International supplier management services company Achilles has posted its second official Communication on Progress (COP) as part of its commitment to a United Nations international initiative on corporate social responsibility.

University Of Nottingham Considers New Procurement Degree

EPiServer Administrator — 2008-01-04T09:30:00+00:00

With increasing need for public procurement practitioners to have a good grasp of the legal dimensions of procurement in the 21st century, experts at Nottingham University are considering launching a new Master of Laws degree in procurement regulation – and are seeking feedback from interested parties.

Competitive dialogue event sells out - New dates added

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-12-19T09:00:00+00:00

A January conference organised by Achilles on the subject of operating competitive dialogue has proved so popular that it sold out within days.

EDP and Achilles – A Winning Combination!

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-12-11T09:00:00+00:00

Iberian energy company EDP – an established Achilles customer – won a top award for innovation at the recent ProcureCon 2007 conference in Brussels.

New Chief Information Officer for Achilles

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-12-11T09:00:00+00:00

Peter James has been appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Achilles Group, based at the company’s Abingdon headquarters.

CSR, Value Creation and Public Scrutiny – Dec 3rd Free Seminar

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-11-26T16:30:00+00:00

Determining the extent of corporate social responsibility can be a challenge for today’s business – and a question that’s tackled head on by Laurence Cranmer in the next Oxford-Achilles Working Group on CSR seminar.

L’Oreal & EDP Scoop ProcureCon Awards

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-11-15T15:30:00+00:00

Cosmetics giant L’Oreal has scooped the top prize in the Achilles-sponsored ProcureCon 2007 corporate social responsibility award.

Nov 22nd – CSR from an Indian Perspecitve – Free Lecture

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-11-14T12:00:00+00:00

Good CSR practice in business can bring benefits to both companies and societies, according to Indian entrepreneur Subroto Bagchi.

Chambers of Commerce check out Achilles CSR initiative

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-11-13T12:00:00+00:00

Representatives from multinational organisations and city law firms have been hearing for themselves about new developments in the world of supply chains and corporate social responsibility, thanks to Achilles.

The Norwegian Approach To CSR – New Achilles / SBS Seminar

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-31T14:00:00+00:00

The man responsible for StatoilHydro’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy is the latest in a line-up of experts taking part in a series of Achilles-sponsored early evening seminars in Oxford.

Shortlist Announced In Achilles-Sponsored ProcureCon Award

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-24T09:00:00+01:00

The front-runners in an Achilles-sponsored corporate social responsibility award category at this year’s ProcureCon event have been announced.

New ICT Sector Director Appointed By Achilles

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-18T09:00:00+01:00

Achilles has appointed Paul McNeills to head up its information communications technology (ICT) team – its newest industry sector - based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Coffee and Cakes Boost Macmillan Fund Raising Efforts!

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-12T09:30:00+01:00

Hungry and thirsty staff at the Abingdon headquarters of global supplier management company Achilles raised £300 for a major UK cancer charity earlier this month.

Buying Social Justice: a Legitimate Route to Advance Equality and Reduce Discrimination?

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-03T09:30:00+01:00

How far should a government’ spending power by affected by social policy – and can such an approach be either efficient or legal?

ProcureCon CSR award deadline extended!

EPiServer Administrator — 2007-10-01T09:30:00+01:00

Companies that have developed ground-breaking procurement initiatives in the world of corporate social responsibility are invited to enter their schemes in a special category at this year’s ProcureCon 2007 conference.