‘Disruption’ is a key word of our time. The years 2020 and 2021 will go down as pivotal points of change in the way that businesses operate. Not only has the pandemic challenged many of our traditional ways of working but so have the technological and data advances, which have in many cases been accelerated by the pandemic. The new world is one of collaboration: one in which professionals work together to address problems and execute plans. 

This report focuses on the relationship between finance and supply chain professionals. As society strives towards a more ethical and sustainable model, so the two professions have greater opportunities to work together and to collaborate. In this report we set out how supply chains are evolving and how collaboration across the two disciplines can benefit both parties, improve organisational capability, manage business and consumer disruption by reducing uncertainty, and benefit society.

The vision for both the finance and supply chain professionals is built upon how we can add value to the entities in which we work. Ethics and trust are fundamentals for both. With increased scrutiny of the activities of those in the supply chains, as well as of the entities themselves, these values could not be more relevant.

Working together effectively requires understanding of each other’s perspectives. Using the respective qualifications and continuing education programmes will help the members and future members of each professional body to collaborate in ever more effective ways.