Following strong demand from clients, BDO has moved to combine some of this capacity, to better meet the logistical needs of clients facing supply chain disruption. This has seen BDO bring together its value chain capabilities across the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, public sector and mid-markets, to create a team within the now 300 strong Digital, Risk and Advisory business unit.
BDO entrance at 55 Baker St, London
The team will be led by BDO Partner Oliver Back. Serving as head of commercial advisory, Back brings 15 years of contract and commercial advisory experience to the role, and is supported by the leadership team across BDO’s other core service areas: Fraser Paget, Gary Collett and Robert Wild.
Speaking on his new role, Back noted, “I am delighted to be leading the team, as we see an increasing need from our clients for the effective management of their third party relationships. BDO recognises the critical importance of our clients’ value chains and we have brought together a range of expertise in their fields to support their ongoing success.”
According to him, the creation of the commercial advisory team comes as a result of pressures first set in motion during the pandemic. Since the onset of Covid-19, BDO has “observed a significant uptrend in clients seeking to build greater resilience into their supplier and customer portfolios”, along with a desire to drive “greater value and commercial outcomes from these relationships.”
Looking ahead, the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook suggests to Back that “this looks set to continue” – something the team is well positioned to help with, by providing end-to-end supply chain capabilities.
The team’s roster already contains high-profile clients across a wide-range of sectors; including natural resources and energy, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, telecoms, manufacturing, retail, public sector and sports. The team currently operates nationally, with key hub presence in London, Birmingham and Bristol – but as BDO expects demand to continue, it will be recruiting “across all offices accordingly”.
Tim Foster, the national practice leader for BDO’s risk advisory services, added, “Effective procurement and supply chain management is vital to the success of all businesses and organisations. The team’s nationwide presence and agility means BDO is able to support all our clients with their end to end supply chain needs.”