NEPO

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Framework Representative

Jane Turner

NEPO is a Public Buying Organisation (PBO) based in Gateshead. They work in partnership with North-East local authorities (Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Tees Valley) on high value procurement to deliver savings, maximise efficiencies and promote best practice.

NEPO have been established for over 40 years and have a team of 42 who procure and manage more than 80 solutions. Collaboration is at the heart of everything they do and they pride themselves on being a public sector organisation who delivers for the public sector.

NEPO are small enough to be personal and big enough to be effective. They give their members an individual service by being as involved as they want them to be – each member is different and they deliver what they want. They are friendly, approachable and genuinely a great bunch of people.

NEPO have delivered some inspirational, award winning projects in partnership with their framework contractors, ranging from new build schools to renovations of listed buildings, care home refurbishments to recycling centres extensions and even crematoriums.

It is difficult to single out a specific project as they are all special to the contracting authority and to the contractor. NEPO are proud of every project they are involved in, whether a £100,000 or £20m value project.

NEPO think the North-East of England is the best place to live and work – their region covers Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham and Tees Valley. Across that vast expanse they have fantastic industrial heritage, stunning landscapes, amazing infrastructure but most importantly wonderful people. The accents vary and the sporting rivalry is real, but wherever you go across the region you will meet the very best of people.

NEPO have established frameworks that help deliver social value across the region, and they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty too. They’ve helped make a difference to local communities through tree planting, cleaning rivers, packing food parcels and fundraising. Their member authorities all have their own challenges within their communities so it’s not a one-size-fits-all task. NEPO try to ensure their frameworks have the flexibility to deliver for individual community needs.

The original details of how NEPO became involved are likely stored in a filing cabinet in written with a quill and ink, it was that long ago! The longevity of NACF and its members is testament to its structure, governance and common goals.

NACF has the public sector at its heart, the strap line says it all: ‘by the public sector for the public sector’. The NACF may stretch across the UK, be of different sizes and have individual regional priorities, but NEPO believe the NACF all have the same underlying ethos of wanting to deliver for their colleagues across the public sector. They are a strong group with a shared purpose – ensuring frameworks deliver the best for contracting authorities and in turn the taxpayers.

Carry out due diligence, check the contract notice on the intention, value and purpose of the framework. Talk to NEPO to understand the procurement and evaluation process. Go with your instincts. You are public sector professionals, trust yourselves when considering your framework options.