This year we have launched our new Lunch and Learn series.

Over the coming months, we are inviting experts in their field to share their experience and expertise in a relaxed informal sessions. Our listeners can tune in and listen whilst enjoying a bite to eat, or when in-between meetings or even catch-up offline. For those joining LIVE there will always be an opportunity to ask questions to learn more, with key takeaways being captured and shared after the call.

The series will cover various conversations on current topics ranging from procurement and supply-chain, technology, risk management, leadership to simply navigating change at work.

Our first guest was Harinder Bansal, Head of Procurement at Motability Operations Ltd, who joined us to share insights on “Practical Ways to Manage your IT Contracts in 2025”. While contracts might not sound like the most exciting lunchtime topic, Harinder proved otherwise. His advice was relatable, practical and rooted in real-life challenges procurement and IT teams face every day.

One of the first topics he highlighted was the importance of starting early. Leaving contract renewals to the last minute shifts all the power to the supplier. Starting several months ahead opens up room to explore alternatives, benchmark offers and enter conversations with a clear plan.

Visibility came up time and again. Knowing which contracts are exposed to inflation, when renewals are due and where risks lie allows procurement to stay ahead of issues rather than reacting to them. More importantly, it gives internal stakeholders confidence that someone is managing the details.

Another major theme was collaboration. Procurement should not be working in a silo. The most effective contract strategies are built in partnership with IT, Finance, IT Asset Management and FinOps. These relationships help create shared plans, uncover hidden risks and deliver better outcomes for the business.

Data also plays a key role. While many tools now use AI to manage contracts, Harinder reminded us that technology is only useful if the data it relies on is accurate and well structured. Poor quality data leads to poor quality decisions. Getting the basics right is still essential.

Throughout the session, Harinder encouraged curiosity. Just because a supplier proposes a certain pricing model or index does not mean it must be accepted. Ask why CPI is being used. Question whether a per-user licence model fits the organisation’s needs. These small challenges often lead to better terms.

Understanding supplier motivations was another strong message. Knowing how a supplier is targeted, whether they are under pressure to push a certain product or whether they are trying to grow in a specific region can provide useful leverage during negotiation.

Risk management was a consistent thread. From auto-renewals and vague contract terms to performance issues and misaligned roadmaps, there are many ways contracts can become a problem if not managed closely. Staying ahead of these risks is vital.

Perhaps the most important takeaway was this: procurement should aim to be a partner to the business. Being flexible, collaborative and solutions-focused builds trust. It also ensures procurement is seen as an enabler rather than an obstacle.

This first session in our Lunch and Learn series delivered exactly what we hoped for, practical insights, engaging conversation and ideas that people can take away and apply straight away.

Future sessions will explore a wide range of themes, and we welcome anyone who has something valuable to share or a topic they would like to explore. If there is something worth learning, we want to hear about it. Let us keep using lunch breaks to learn, connect and grow, one conversation at a time.

Join us for our next Lunch and Learn scheduled for 30 May with Nina Chande, a Marketing Procurement Expert with over 20 years’ experience in Sales, Marketing, Media and Marketing Procurement.