By Edward Askew, Judge for the Impact Awards 2023
Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, security, civil, and health markets.
In the UK, Leidos specialises in developing and supporting large-scale and innovative technology transformation programmes that are designed to deliver business improvement and efficiency. Leidos manages the £6.5bn Logistics Commodities & Services Transformation Programme for the UK Ministry of Defence, implementing technological advancements for one of the world’s foremost military operations whilst generating millions in savings for Government.
UK manufacturers play a vital role in Leidos’ resilience agenda, contributing significantly to the Defence supply chain. We recognise the value of homegrown manufacturing, and Leidos’ collaboration with organisations like Made in Britain showcases our commitment to supporting and promoting UK manufacturers.
By actively delivering webinars to Made in Britain members, we aim to demystify the procurement process and encourage UK manufacturers to participate in the Defence supply chain. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between manufacturers and defence procurement, providing valuable opportunities for local businesses to contribute to national defence efforts. Leidos UK understands that tapping into the talent and resources of UK manufacturers enhances the country's resilience and promotes economic growth, and I’m looking forward to seeing some fantastic entries that recognise and celebrate the successes of Made in Britain members.
Edward Askew
Head of Procurement Policy, Governance & Development. Leidos
Edward is a procurement and supply chain specialist with over 20 years of experience gained at a senior level across a variety of sectors, including retail inventory management, retail supply chain, and public sector procurement both in the NHS and working with the UK Ministry of Defence at Leidos.
He uses his interpersonal, relationship and stakeholder management skills to provide strategic vision and leadership whilst delivering lasting results that have added tangible value and enhanced capability through successfully embedded change. He has led many large-scale projects across a broad range of subject areas, from procurement transformation and eProcurement implementations, to CIPS corporate certification and training and capability programmes designed to upskill staff to provide better commercial outcomes within a managed governance framework.
At Leidos Supply, he has led the review of the tendering process, optimising tender documents and simplifying evaluation methodologies to ensure the maximum possible competition and thus benefits for the MOD Customer. This has seen SME participation increase, with 45% of all Suppliers now classed as SMEs (EU definition)
By Made in Britain 1 year ago | By Made in Britain