An insight into the complex trading world involving procurement of Ministry of Defence commodities was given to members of Kyrle Probus Club on Thursday, August 16th.

Ian Swan, of Leidos Supply Ltd explained that Leidos, which is among the biggest companies in the USA, with a total of 33,000 employees, has ambitious plans for further expansion in the United Kingdom.

It is aiming for a global reach following its multi-million pound contract to purchase commodities on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Activity already ranges from air-traffic control management to developing exactly-right ceremonial uniform for Buckingham Palace guardsmen, some embroidered by Wye Valley craftspeople.

Ian displayed an example of the made-to-measure guardsman berets produced with the finest quality materials, and also the emergency ration packs, as required by troops in world-wide hot spots.

Tenders and negotiations are conducted over many months around the world to ensure value for money products and ‘big savings’ for the MoD.

“You can’t just buy things off the shelf. We have to make sure everything is just right,” said Ian, who has enjoyed a much-travelled career.

Kyrle Probus is a men-only Club which meets on the first and third Thursday every month at Ross Conservative Club, where a variety of talks are given by members or outside speakers.

For more details visit the club website www.kyrleprobusross.org or contact Secretary Jeff Morris on 01989 563698.

An insight into the complex trading world involving procurement of Ministry of Defence commodities was given to members of Kyrle Probus Club on Thursday, August 16th.

Ian Swan, of Leidos Supply Ltd explained that Leidos, which is among the biggest companies in the USA, with a total of 33,000 employees, has ambitious plans for further expansion in the United Kingdom.

It is aiming for a global reach following its multi-million pound contract to purchase commodities on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Activity already ranges from air-traffic control management to developing exactly-right ceremonial uniform for Buckingham Palace guardsmen, some embroidered by Wye Valley craftspeople.

Ian displayed an example of the made-to-measure guardsman berets produced with the finest quality materials, and also the emergency ration packs, as required by troops in world-wide hot spots.

Tenders and negotiations are conducted over many months around the world to ensure value for money products and ‘big savings’ for the MoD.

“You can’t just buy things off the shelf. We have to make sure everything is just right,” said Ian, who has enjoyed a much-travelled career.

Kyrle Probus is a men-only Club which meets on the first and third Thursday every month at Ross Conservative Club, where a variety of talks are given by members or outside speakers.

For more details visit the club website www.kyrleprobusross.org or contact Secretary Jeff Morris on 01989 563698.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.