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A trade show serving the Bordeaux economy

On May 21, 2019, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine edition of the Purchasing and Suppliers Fair took place. This is the first inverted living room. The show is a boon for both buyers and suppliers. Indeed, for buyers, the show is an opportunity to highlight their competitiveness in the region. With a vision at the local level they will be able to address issues of proximity and short circuits. On the other hand, for suppliers, it is an opportunity to meet trusted partners. They will also be able to meet the main buyers and principals in the region. The show has four main objectives in favor of buyers and suppliers. In particular, it wishes to:

  • Facilitate their relationships
  • Increase their visibility
  • Highlight the purchasing function
  • Develop the attractiveness of the region

Indeed it is an event designed by and for companies in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The fair is supported and organized by the CNA, the mid-caps club, CEVA and Deloitte. In this sense, the initiative responds to the desire to boost the entire sector. In particular, it allows buyers and suppliers to form a network. Thus, it is a winner in terms of profitability and professional ethics. Bordeaux Business looks back at the balance sheet of this Aquitaine event and the outlook for the sector.

A successful B2B show

The Shopping Fair is an important event in the region. It is a new opportunity for Nouvelle-Aquitaine to highlight its purchasing practices and its companies. It is a real showcase of its territory. Indeed, at the end of the meeting day, the participants received different awards. The 2019 Innovation Purchasing Crystal was awarded to Sunna Design. It is a manufacturer of public solar lighting in Blanquefort. It received the award for its partnership and co-development on solar energy storage in extreme weather conditions.

At the same time, a second prize is awarded. It aims to promote sustainable purchasing. This is the Cristal Prize for Purchases of Social and Environmental Responsibility 2019. This year it is the Post Office that receives it for the maintenance of bicycles with electric assistance. The postmen of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region use these vehicles in particular. The Cristal des Achats du jeune buyer 2019 was awarded to Paul Condaminas. It is part of SUEZ. The prize was given to him for his work around the optimization of energy consumption and costs of wastewater treatment plants. Finally, the Coup de Coeur trophy was awarded to Eiffage. It owes this award for its inter-site and inter-company service platform on the Bordeaux-Euratlantique project.

In addition, the number of partners present also testifies to the success of the event. Indeed, there are 170 companies present, 300 suppliers, 200 buyers and more than 500 participants. However, this success should not mask the multiple challenges that await the actors of the Bordeaux region. Indeed, many profiles have come together and mobilized to reflect on the changes in the purchasing function. Among them, teachers, strategy consultants, purchasing managers and local elected officials took part in the debate.

The purchasing function, a strategic function for the competitiveness of companies

The purchasing function is a very important element for companies. This function is part of the business model of the latter. This is all the more true in the context of the SSE law and the Energy Transition for Green Growth law. Over the years, it tends to become more and more a power plant. Indeed, buyers seek to value their time, the quality of the service and the cost of production.

The price element remains important in decision-making. On the other hand, purchasing departments touch on other points. Thus, the quality or the proximity of the source of supply are subjects not to be neglected. Indeed, corporate social responsibility tends to become more important. This action should no longer relate solely to a simple showcase. It is necessary to get out of the negative vision sometimes called “greenwashing”. Faced with this sounding board, the National Purchasing Council wishes to put more emphasis on purchasing departments. The aim is to make them real actors in regional development.

For suppliers, it is not always easy to take advantage of opportunities to prospect potential buyers. However, local initiatives such as the Shopping Show can create synergies. As such, the Bordeaux region is a force for proposal with the Aquitaine Association of Responsible Public Procurement. The Environment and Energy Management Agency and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region co-finance the latter. Indeed, the Gironde has adopted an annual action plan. There is a responsible purchasing promotion scheme (SPAR). Initiated by Law No. 2014-856 of 31 July 2014 on the social and solidarity economy, local authorities are subject to rules. Indeed, for those who make purchases of more than 100 million euros, they must now promote socially and environmentally responsible purchasing.

The structures of the circular economy are therefore a source of interest for the department. The public order of the Department of Gironde represents more than 160 million euros in expenses per year. Of these expenses, 61% directly benefit Gironde companies. At the national level, public order accounts for between 15 and 20% of GDP. In summary, the public purchasing capacity of the Bordeaux territory reflects the attractiveness of the purchasing sector. This capacity has been on the move for about ten years thanks to its local Agenda 21. Thus the Bordeaux department receives several awards. In 2008. for the launch of its investment and responsible purchasing policy. In 2016, for its commitment and its social and environmental responsibility. Here is what to encourage the development of the Bordeaux territory.

With events such as the Shopping Fair, the city is demonstrating its desire to put the purchasing function first. She wants to put it at the service of the local economy. The Gironde economy thus weaves a network of suppliers, companies, distributors, concerned about innovation and sustainability. The Bordeaux territory has social and ecological potential. This dimension contributes to the value creation of the purchasing function. Gironde entrepreneurs-innovators can thus take full advantage of it.

Justine ANGIBAUD – BORDEAUX Business

Sources:

Shopping show

Purchasing Decision – CSR Shopping View the Hour of Truth

Responsible Purchasing

Press release-Salon Buys New Aquitaine

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