Why Procurement Skills Are Essential for Business Success in 2025

At Fareport Training, we work with employers across the UK to develop skilled procurement professionals through fully funded and flexible apprenticeship programmes. Here’s why procurement skills should be a top priority for your business in 2025. 

Brexit and the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to delays, rising costs, and talent shortages. According to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), more than 70% of organisations struggled with supply chain disruptions in the past three years. 

The result? Businesses now need professionals who can: 

• Build stronger supplier relationships to avoid bottlenecks 

• Negotiate effectively to secure competitive pricing 

• Manage risks proactively to ensure operational continuity 

Upskilling existing employees through procurement training ensures your business stays ahead of the curve, avoiding expensive recruitment and keeping your team prepared for future challenges. 

Procurement is no longer just about purchasing—it’s about strategic value creation. Skilled procurement professionals can: 

• Identify cost-saving opportunities that protect profit margins 

• Ensure compliance with regulations and supplier contracts 

• Drive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives by selecting ethical, sustainable suppliers 

With customers and investors increasingly focused on responsible sourcing, companies that embed sustainability into procurement have a competitive edge. 

Recruiting new procurement talent can be time-consuming, expensive, and risky—particularly with the current skills shortage.
Instead, training your existing employees through apprenticeships delivers faster ROI by: 

• Developing practical, job-relevant skills immediately applicable to your business 

• Increasing staff loyalty and retention through investment in professional growth 

• Avoiding lengthy onboarding times since your team already understands your systems, suppliers, and culture 

A well-trained procurement team can deliver savings far beyond the cost of training, making it one of the most cost-effective L&D investments. 

Gone are the days when apprenticeships were just for school leavers. Modern apprenticeships are flexible, highly relevant, and ideal for upskilling employees of all ages. 

Fareport Training’s Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assistant and Level 4 Procurement & Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeships help learners develop: 

• Supplier management and negotiation skills 

• Inventory and contract management expertise 

• Commercial awareness and risk management knowledge 

Funding options: 

• Levy-paying employers: Fully funded through your levy pot 

• Non-levy employers: 95% funded by the government – 5% your business, talk to us about how we can fund this through our partners.  

A strong procurement team can deliver efficiency, savings, and sustainability across your organisation. With our expert tutors, flexible online delivery, and tailored support, we help businesses like yours turn procurement into a competitive advantage. 

Ready to upskill your team?
Our next cohort for Procurement Apprenticeships starts 15th September 2025. Places are limited, so now is the time to act. 

👉 Learn more and secure your team’s place today: Procurement Apprenticeship Courses 

📞 Call us on 01329 825805 or email [email protected] to discuss your training needs.