thefoundersstory

Beyond Procurement Excellence: Jassim Alampara on Transforming Procurement into a Competitive Advantage for SMEs and Startups

Welcome, Jassim, to The Founders Story! Let us dive right in. You have spent over two decades in procurement consulting, but what drew you to specialise in supporting SMEs and startups?

Jassim Alampara: Thanks for having me. Early on in my career, I gained invaluable experience with large corporations. But witnessing the transformative power of effective procurement for smaller businesses was truly inspiring. I remember a young entrepreneur struggling with procurement intricacies. By working together, we secured quality suppliers, reduced costs, and fueled their growth and innovation. That is when I realised the immense potential SMEs and startups have with a solid procurement foundation. Unlike larger firms, they often have tighter budgets and unique challenges in supplier management and contract negotiation. By focusing my expertise here, I could make a real difference to optimise processes, reduce risks, and achieve their goals.

SMEs and startups face distinct procurement challenges. Can you elaborate on these and how Alambaar addresses them differently from larger firms?

Jassim Alampara: Absolutely. Common challenges include limited purchasing power, a lack of leverage with suppliers, insufficient internal expertise, and balancing cost-effectiveness with quality and reliability. Additionally, navigating complex contracts and ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing can be tough. Alambaar’s approach acknowledges these unique needs and constraints. Unlike larger firms with dedicated departments, we provide a more personalised, hands-on experience. Our team works closely with each client to understand their goals, budgets, and operational challenges.

One key differentiator is our agility and flexibility in adapting procurement strategies. We recognise that SMEs and startups might need quicker wins while building a foundation for long-term growth. Whether it is analysing spending to identify cost-saving opportunities, implementing strategic sourcing to secure competitive pricing, or providing targeted coaching to enhance internal capabilities, we tailor our services to maximise value for money and efficiency.

Given your extensive experience in the Middle East, how do cultural and regional factors influence procurement for SMEs there? How does Alambaar adapt its approach?

Jassim Alampara: Having worked in the Middle East for over two decades, I have seen firsthand how cultural and regional factors significantly influence procurement strategies, particularly for SMEs. The Middle East is a diverse region where business practices are shaped by cultural norms, local regulations, and supplier relationship dynamics.

At Alambaar, we understand the importance of navigating these nuances to effectively support our clients. A significant aspect is the emphasis on personal relationships and trust in business dealings. Procurement negotiations and maintaining harmonious supplier relationships are influenced by this. Local regulations and bureaucratic processes can also vary significantly, making it challenging for SMEs to navigate without local expertise.

We emphasise clear communication and transparency throughout procurement activities, ensuring our clients are well-informed and compliant with local regulations. Our team’s deep-rooted knowledge of local business practices allows us to anticipate challenges proactively and develop strategies that mitigate risks while maximising opportunities.

Coaching and training are part of Alambaar’s services. How are these programmes customised to meet the specific needs of SMEs and startups?

Jassim Alampara: Absolutely! We recognise that coaching and training are essential for SMEs and startups to optimise their procurement practices. We customise our programmes to address their specific needs and capacities, ensuring tailored solutions that drive tangible improvements.

First, we conduct a thorough assessment of their existing procurement capabilities. This helps us understand their structure, team expertise, current processes, and areas for development. This initial phase is crucial for SMEs and startups as it provides a baseline for targeted training initiatives.

Next, we design practical and relevant training modules aligned with their unique challenges and goals. Our programmes cover a comprehensive range of topics, including the fundamentals of procurement, supplier relationship management, contract management, ethics and sustainability, and technology integration. Importantly, our approach is interactive and collaborative. We encourage participation and feedback throughout the process, ensuring the training programmes are not only informative but also engaging and applicable to real-world scenarios they may encounter.

Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the procurement landscape for SMEs and startups, and how is Alambaar preparing to stay ahead of these developments?

Jassim Alampara: The procurement landscape for SMEs and startups is evolving, and Alambaar is proactive in preparing to navigate and capitalise on these developments. One significant trend is the increasing adoption of digital technologies in procurement. SMEs and startups are recognising the value of automation, data analytics, and cloud-based procurement solutions to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and drive efficiency.

At Alambaar, we are investing in advanced procurement technologies that offer real-time insights into supplier performance, market trends, and cost-saving opportunities. This equips our clients with the tools needed to make informed decisions and stay competitive in a digital-first environment.

Ethics and sustainability are also becoming paramount. Stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and social responsibility. Alambaar integrates these practices into our procurement strategies.

Thank you, Jassim, for these insightful perspectives on procurement for SMEs and startups. What are your concluding thoughts for our readers?

Jassim Alampara: Thank you for having me. Effective procurement is no longer just about cost savings; it is a strategic lever for growth, especially for SMEs and startups. By optimising procurement processes, these businesses can not only reduce costs and streamline operations but also build stronger supplier relationships, mitigate risks, and ensure they source ethically and sustainably.

At Alambaar, we are passionate about empowering SMEs and startups to achieve their full potential through strategic procurement. We believe that with the right approach and guidance, these businesses can leverage procurement as a powerful tool to drive innovation, achieve sustainable growth, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Thank you, Jassim Alampara, for your time and expertise!

Jassim Alampara: You’re most welcome.