Member spotlight: NEPO
Date published:
This week we caught up with NEPO to find out how they’re going further with Chamber membership.
Where are you based?
Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside
How many people do you employ?
30
Give us a brief overview of your business.
NEPO works in partnership with North East local authorities to develop and manage procurement solutions. We focus on areas of high-value (for example construction, energy, agency staff) as well areas of strategic importance (such as social care). Our procurement solutions are available for use by the wider UK public sector, with over 700 organisations signed up as associate members.
This means that we work closely with supply markets to understand current challenges and future innovations, so that together we can deliver the best outcomes for the public sector and the communities we serve.
What has been your top tip for keeping business going during Covid-19?
Covid-19 has affected every part of our business, from the initial stages focused on urgent safety supplies, through to coordinating support for our suppliers and now focused on driving economic recovery through procurement.
At every stage, collaboration has been key. Keeping lines of communication flowing, and nurturing our working relationships, means that we can approach challenges together and share innovation and best practice so that everyone benefits.
Tell us about a recent business success.
NEPO’s work over the past year has added value to our North East local authority members at a time when the public sector has faced significant challenge. For every pound that they invest in their membership of NEPO, our work creates a return on investment of £6. A big part of that ROI is the social value delivered through our procurement solutions.
We recently took part in a social value day organized by Wave, who deliver our framework agreement for water retail services. We spent the day at the Tees Barrage, removing rubbish from the water and improving public walkways. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring the NEPO team and some of our members together to see social value in action and appreciate how our work makes a real difference to North East communities.
Why are you a Chamber Member?
We share an ambition with the Chamber, we want to see our local businesses thrive.
We believe that the public sector represents a great opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes. NEPO’s framework agreements alone are worth around £700m per annum. NEPO wants to ensure that North East businesses have the information and skills to compete for this work, and bring their expertise and insight to the local economy and the communities we serve.
Our membership of the Chamber means that we can connect with local businesses and work together to achieve our shared ambitions.
To read more Member Spotlights click here.