Procurement, commissioning and contract management will be at the forefront of the anticipated economic recovery and restructuring, as we enter a challenging phase with the need to reduce public sector costs significantly.

The Society of Procurement Officers (SOPO) Annual Conference and Exhibition 2010 will examine the impact on public procurement of what is likely to be the most austere period of government for many decades. Many policy changes look inevitable as the UK tries to retreat from the current levels of public debt.

Our contribution will be measured not only in terms of price reduction and the renegotiation of contracts but also in terms of the wider procurement value proposition, as shown by the way we manage demand and leverage additional benefits from procurement’s role as the partner to policy.

The SOPO Annual Conference will explore the challenges that lie ahead and the practical ways in which SOPO members and their organisations can achieve value for money and improved service delivery while helping procurement to deliver government’s desired policy outcomes.

This year’s SOPO Annual Conference will provide you with the opportunity to absorb new ideas, discuss best practice and network with suppliers, colleagues and some of the leading thinkers and influencers in public procurement policy.