36 Strategies managing director Steven Speter has revealed that after focusing on the facilities management industry, the company - sponsors of the Hotelier Middle East Procurement Summit - is now aiming to help the hospitality industry improve procurement practices.

Speter said: "Over the past year, we have helped the facilities management industry leaders get a better handle on procurement. In 2015/2016, we hope to be working with the hotels in the UAE to bring similar results."

Speaking about one of the company's latest product launches, Speter said: "We have a cloud based e-procurement platform used by our clients to complete procurement transactions online. Staff can browse the catalogue of products made available for ordering, place an order, obtain internal approvals and send a PO to the supplier all in one place.

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"The platform is complemented by an app that allows managers to make approvals from their smartphones wherever they are, as well as other tools that provide a snapshot of all spend activities."

In light of the company's marked foray into hospitality, 36 Strategies is a sponsor of the upcoming Hotelier Middle East Procurement Summit. Speter said that it was important to support to event and added: "As procurement specialists in this region, we have some best practices to share. We look forward to meeting procurement executives and to having many good discussions on challenges and solutions in the hotel industry in the Middle East."

He said this year, one of the main challenges facing procurement professionals is supplier and internal stakeholder management. Speter explained: "With so many suppliers entering the market fighting for a share of the pie, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure you are choosing the right suppliers, getting the best deals and these are in fact being utilised across the organisation."

At the Summit, Speter expects a discussion on wide range of topics from use of technology to sustainability, "with the ultimate objective of how to ensure procurement is an integrated part of a hotel’s business strategy, and not just a stand-alone function measured on a single metric, cost saved".

The UAE hospitality industry, he said, has growth potential, and what excites him in the years ahead is the recognition that utilising technology is key to being successful in this industry. He adde: "Especially as this is a region where it is not always easy to change the status quo."

EVENT INFORMATION:

Hotelier Middle East Procurement Summit