COST REDUCTION: A procurement expert reveals 10 keys to cost reduction for all the goods and services organizations buy.

by Mike Buchanan

“This book condenses 25 years’ learning into a week’s reading. If you’re charged with cost reduction, read it.”
Andrew Heslop, Trading Director, NHS Supply Chain

“Everything you wanted to know about supplier cost reduction, but were afraid to ask. Tools, techniques, case studies, and keys to success, in abundance. All in a no-nonsense, no-jargon manner that will appeal to any executive.”
Jon Hughes, Executive Chairman, Future Purchasing

“This book is full of personal experience, valuable case studies, and down-to-earth advice. A great book for both purchasing and non-purchasing executives.”
Mark Ralf, Group Purchasing & Property Director, Bupa

“All you need to know about reducing your procurement costs, written by a procurement expert. And it’s written in plain English, for a change.”
David Oxland, Global Procurement Director, Baxi plc

“The author draws on his years of experience by illustrating ‘real world’ examples for the reader. This is done well both in the main text and in the more detailed case studies. These not only show the reader what has actually worked, but also have the effect of bringing this work to life.”
Stephen Hayes, Vice President, Services Procurement, BT

Written by a procurement expert, Cost Reduction is an accessible and comprehensive guide to successful cost reduction. The book provides organizations with a long-term, structured approach to cost reduction through the use of smart procurement practices.

Featuring 21 detailed case studies and with appendices outlining the successful cost reduction drives of a number of organizations, Cost Reduction ensures that all readers will be well-equipped to reduce their costs. This title is essential reading for all those who have responsibility for reducing costs within their organizations.

Offering hands-on, practical advice, the book’s chapter and appendix titles are (1) The philosophy and psychology of buying, (2) Important buying-related concepts, (3) Effective tools and techniques, (4) The changes that deliver cost reduction, (5) Market testing, (6) Outsourcing and insourcing, (7) Negotiation, (8) Contracts and contract law, (9) E-procurement, (10) Organizational issues, (Apx.1) Service Level Agreement (SLA), (Apx.2) Template for a request for proposal (RFP), (Apx.3) Soft issues impacting on cost reduction drives, (Apx.4) Buying at Sainsbury’s supermarkets, (Apx.5) Buying at SmithKline Beecham.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2025

About the author

British writer, publisher, and men’s rights advocate.

Before his retirement in 2010, Buchanan was a business executive and consultant.

Buchanan is the founder of the "Justice for Men and Boys"-party and runs his own publishing website LPS publishing.