Birmingham based Mercato Solutions, was invited to the House of Lords recently to
the annual Partnership Sourcing Ltd (PSL) Partnering reception which also represented
PSL's 20th anniversary. Mercato is a member of the PSL Executive Network and has
set its sights on a global first for a software business - securing BSI certification
for collaborative working.
The new PAS 11000 certification from BSI, developed in partnership with PSL, is
the world's first collaborative business relationship management standard. The move
fits with government demands for collaborative working across many areas especially
procurement and is already being adopted by Government departments, including the
MoD, as the foundation for its collaborative relationships.
PAS 11000 is a single definition of best practice and provides formal recognition
for companies who place an emphasis on optimising collaboration for more equitable
business. For Mercato, BSI certification of their collaborative approach will underpin
their software tools as a benchmark for best practice collaborative working. It
also challenges the norm of adversarial relationships in business and promotes partnering
best practice.
In the procurement niche, Mercato Solutions standardises data feeds from myriad
suppliers in a shared web-based environment before applying task based tools that
help end users deliver value - ranging from supplier relationship management to
benchmarking. Mercato delivers fiscal and time savings by streamlining workflows
in a collaborative environment.
PSL CEO, Les Pyle, said: "The emphasis on partnering has increased in light
of tough trading conditions with businesses working hard to collaborate on cutting
costs and remaining competitive."
"PAS 11000 is a tangible result of the importance that is now placed upon partnering
and growing recognition that it is essential to building a successful business."
Mercato's Director of Marketing, Steve Bushell, added: "With the culture of
Value and sustainability upon us, collaborative working can deliver on both counts.
However, government needs to recognise that technology plays a pivotal role in genuinely
exceeding these shared goals of joined up working."
Lord Evans, PSL chairman concluded: "Sharing goals and information is a key
ingredient for effective business collaboration".