Better Procurement

Combining our buying power has been part of the way we do things in the North East for over 30 years. However, after 30 years, we still only jointly procure around 10% of the £1.6billion spent by North East local authorities per annum. By 2013 our programme is expected to deliver additional savings of £160m.

North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO)

All North East council leaders signed up to the project in June 2010. (Click here to read a press release)

Pulling together the procurement needs of North East local authorities and FRSs can create substantial savings for the region. By combining public sector contracts where appropriate, administrative costs and replication of work can be cut down. The creation of a NEPO portal will help local authorities to standardise tendering procedures, in order to simplify the process for both authorities and suppliers. Local suppliers and SMEs will be encouraged to bid for contracts wherever possible.

This would have the effect of stimulating the regional economy and making the bidding process easier for suppliers. Reducing duplications and streamlining processes in public sector procurement across the North East has the potential to save £57,357,000 by 2013.

Relaunch of NEPO: Doing Business with the Public Sector events 19 and 24 November

Download a press release about the re launch of NEPO event, held on 19 November 2010 here.

Download presentations from the events here

For more information, contact Diane Nielsen 07825 112 629