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Procurement News
Framework of the Week
NWCE's Framework of the Week is Vending and Dispense Equipment suppliers. This framework started on 1st October 2004 and is for a four year period and is open to all public sector organisations in the UK. It is split between 3 suppliers Bunzl Vending Services Ltd, Four Square Ltd (Division of Mars UK) and General Vending Services.
The framework allows access to flexible and cutting edge offers - availability of free vend/free equipment and the ability to keep up with changing trends. Customers can purchase/hire/lease vending machines and can enter into service agreements, ensuring peace of mind.
For further information contact Anne Welsh at OGC Buying Solutions. Tel: 0151 672 2314 or Email: anne.welsh@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk
At last the perfect student 
At NWCE we are very keen to understand the procurement capacity and resources in place across the region. We would like to further understand the procurement structures in place within councils across the North West, as well as the adhoc procurement activity that occurs within individual departments.
As such, we ask that you please take 5 minutes to complete a short survey. Your responses will enable us to tailor our future Procurement Programme activity to the requirements of local authorities across the North West. To access the survey please click here
Under the hammer
NWCE is pleased to publish its next How to Guide for eAuctions. The guide takes you through every element of the eAuction process. the last three eAuctions in the North West has achieved over £10m of savings. If you are looking to hold an eAuction or need further help then please get in touch. Click here to download the guide.
Somebody stop this or soon we will all be working together!!!
As you will be aware the NWCE Standards Project was re launched in October 2006. But maybe you didn’t realise that we have developed this into a collaborative project between NWCE, NECE, YHCE and as of this week EMCE has asked to join the existing collaboration over standards work and we are in the process of seeking national backing for the project.
With different RCE’s leading on different areas we will together establish a standardised Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, Evaluation matrix, Terms and Conditions for Goods and Services, Guidance documentation to support these documents, Tender correspondence, Contract Procedure Rules, Best practice Tender thresholds guidance, and related Policies by approximately June 2007. This is believed to be ground breaking work as the first collaboration of its kind across the RCE’s!
Construction News
Under Construction
North West Development Agency and North West Centre of Excellence are in the final stages of awarding Framework agreements to 9 regenration and development panels of suppliers. Click here for further information.
Waste Management News
New Structure for Waste PFI
Defra have announced a streamlined process for applying for waste PFI credits.
Click here to download more information
Transport News
Calling a Taxi?
Most local authorities make use of taxi services, and those involved in special needs education and social care probably spend large sums with the local taxi trade.
Pressure for more effective procurement options has been very evident to Garth Goddard, Programme Director for the NWCE national lead on Passenger Transport as he has visited local transport authorities up and down the country.
Help is on the way after a Valentine's Day first meeting of his taxi group in Uxbridge initiated with the help of colleagues in 4 other Centres of Excellence. The gathering about 25 transport coordination professionals from around England in the far reaches of Middlesex was to take advantage of the hospitality of the London Borough of Hillington to get a warts and all account of how they had used e-procurement and reverse auctions to drive down taxi contract prices for SEN (special educational needs) work.
At the end of the morning the group was clear about how the technique could be applied, but also could see some of the downside to this approach. in the afternoon other taxi procurement options were explored, and various members of the group were sent away to work on a variety of models to be drawn together into a toolkit on taxi procurement options.
so, watch this space for the appearance of an NWCE/SECE advice note incorporating this work later in the spring.
National News
The true grassroot level
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced a new Commission to look at how local democracy can be revitalised and made both more representative and more responsible to local people. Praising the contribution councillors make to grassroots democracy Ruth Kelly said the new Councillors Commission will look at ways to better support councillors and encourage more people from a wider range of backgrounds to play a leading role in their communities.
Click here to download more information.
EVENTS
IEMA Accredited Sustainable Procurement Training Sessions
22 February - Mere Golf and Country Club, Mere, Cheshire OR
6 March - The Foresight Centre, 1 Brownlow Street, Liverpool
There are 15 free places available for these training sessions which are being delivered by the Sustainable Procurement Task Force's Project Manager, Barbara Morton. Each session lasts a full day and costs around £350 per delegate.
The course is aimed at people who have to look at the impact of their supply chain on the environment and is ideal for those who wish to gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle sustainability issues in their organisation's supply chain.
Please click here for further information and details of how to reserve your place.
NWeGG Spring Full Members Meeting 8 March 2007, Queens Hotel, Chester
Join the pack at the Queens Hotel in Chester for the NWEGG Spring Full Members Meeting.
NWeGG will be outlining the national picture and the NWEGG programme for 2007-8.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Peter Blair, DCLG, on the National Process Improvement package
- Professor Peter Kawalek, Manchester Business School, on Transformational Thinking
- John Fisher, Chief Executive EverybodyOnline, on getting hard-to-reach groups online
- Phil Swan, NWeGG Programme Manager, on NWeGG's programme for 07-08
Janet Callender, Chief Executive of Tameside MBC and Chair of NWeGG will be chairing the day and speaking on the challenges and opportunities facing councils in light of CSR-07, the LG White Paper and Transformational Government.
Click here to register your attendance as soon as possible.
This event is open to NWeGG member authorities at no charge. The cost for non NWeGG member council attendees will be £100.00.
Bargain Hunt II
The second Bargain Hunt event is now confirmed and will take place on 21 May 2007 (venue to be confirmed). This will again consist of a number of exciting and interesting workshops. More details will be added soon but places will be limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment! (Click here to book)
IT Procurement Workshop 28 March 2007, Woodland Conference Centre, Chorley
The NWCE is holding an IT Procurement Workshop and associated services. This workshop shows you how to get a better deal for your money. For further information or to book your place at the workshop Click here