Purchasing advice
Purchasing utilities at the best price can be a complex and time consuming task. Let the experts help you out by doing the hard work and presenting you with the best options for your decision.
Every organisation will aim to reduce its running costs. That applies equally to businesses and non-profit making organisations such as charities, private schools, colleges, clubs and local authorities.
The utility markets and related technologies change quickly. Whether you have a purchasing or procurement team, or you deal with the purchasing yourself, there are definite advantages in letting those with specialist knowledge and experience deal with the tendering process on your behalf. Otherwise, you may be faced with a steep learning curve to bring your energy and telecoms knowledge up-to-date.
For example, if you were asked to seek prices for a new telephone system, would you know
- what type of technology would best suit your needs?
- which open standards and levels of service you should ask suppliers to provide?
- which suppliers are more likely to provide value for money?
- what type of maintenance service would be appropriate?
Using an independent purchasing consultant
- saves you a great deal of time — we establish what you want, then report back with the options at the best prices shortly afterwards;
- ensures you get what you want, not what is being sold to you by pushy salespeople;
- means that only appropriate and reliable suppliers will compete for your business;
- your purchasing costs will be significantly reduced;
- you will have an expert to hold your hand throughout the project;
- you can concentrate on your job whilst the purchasing consultant oversees the whole process, from start to finish.
Have a look at our case studies where we have helped procure utility and telecom services:
In addition we can help you purchase other goods and services:
- Any contract for goods or services which has been running for more than a year — the bigger the value, the greater the potential savings.
- Upgrading or replacing your telephone system or structured cabling.
- Print costs. (Networked or stand-alone printers, photocopiers, fax machines, and scanners.)
- Hygiene services.
- Fire control services and equipment.
- Security services and equipment.
- Office furniture or other office equipment.
- Courier services.
- Logistics.
- Installation or upgrading of utility services such as gas, electricity, water, LPG.
How does the purchasing service work?
- You choose some goods or services which are a significant cost for your organisation.
- We visit you to be briefed on your organisation.
- We assess what you need from the goods or services. Our detailed questionnaire often reveals needs which were not previously apparent and eliminates previous needs which are no longer relevant.
- We research the market to find suitable products or services to meet your requirements.
- We research the marketplace for reputable suppliers.
- We draw up a detailed specification for the goods or services and agree it with you.
- We compile a tender document.
- We send the tender document to appropriate, reliable suppliers.
- We vet the returned tenders, summarise their contents in plain English and recommend the supplier who will provide the best value for money.
- We discuss our written report with you and your team.
- We co-ordinate the installation/supply of the goods or services.
- We monitor the performance of the supplier and regularly put the contract out to tender.
The net result is that your organisation gets better value for money. We will guarantee to save you time and money.
Can you afford not to find out more?
Still not sure?
Check out some of the problems we have solved for our clients.
Alternatively contact us today to find out how we can help your organisation to save time and money.