Purchasing Power: Ibrahim ‘Sappé’ Shafeeq, Purchasing Manager, Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this interview with Hotelier Maldives, Ibrahim ‘Sappé’ Shafeeq, the Purchasing Manager for three properties operated by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas; Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island, speaks about his take on an ideal supplier and on the industry.

Hotelier Maldives: How long have you been in purchasing?

Ibrahim Shafeeq: It’s been almost seven years, now.

HM: What do you look for in a product?

IS: Whether it’s a fruit or vegetable, or something else, I look at everything from quality and price, to where it comes from, its style and design. There are always a lot of factors, but weighing the quality with the price is the most important thing.

HM: What area of the hotel are you most proud of?

IS: I am especially proud of our sales and marketing department and the reservations team.

HM: Tell us about one of your most successful deals?

IS: Well, now we are centralised, we have price comparisons for three resorts: Kihavah, Niyama and Dhigu. We’ve streamlined things so that all three resorts buy items at the same price, so we’re making savings that way and it’s more efficient.

HM: What does a supplier have to do to impress you?

IS: When they go above and beyond, service-wise, it impresses me. For example, early or fast delivery with all the documents in order, or if they notice that an item we order with them could be offered at a better price, or if they suggest an alternative that’s better quality and cheaper.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]