Thornton & Lowe's Expertise in RP Procurement
Thornton & Lowe offers specialised procurement services tailored to Registered Providers (RPs) in the social housing sector. Our expertise spans outsourced procurement, consultancy support, supply chain development and customised solutions to meet RPs' unique needs.
Delivering Outsourced Procurement Services for RPs
We provide a comprehensive outsourced procurement services for RPs managing the entire procurement process, from initial market research to contract award and implementation. Our team handles tender writing, bid management, and supplier negotiations.
By using our knowledge of public sector procurement regulations, Thornton & Lowe ensures RPs comply with all legal requirements.
Our services include:
- Developing procurement strategies
- Drafting tender documents
- Estate service reviews
- Managing evaluations of supplier bids
- Contract management support
Specialist Social Housing Consultancy Support
Thornton & Lowe offers expert consultancy support tailored to the social housing sector. Our consultants have in-depth knowledge of RP-specific challenges and regulatory requirements. Dave Thornton our MD started his career in social housing working with Great Places leading their value for money and procurement, while Steven. Higginbottom, Head of Social Housing and RP Consultancy Services spent 25 years delivering to housing associations across the UK. Continually striving for innovation and efficiencies.
Key areas of consultancy include:
- Asset management strategies
- Repairs and maintenance procurement
- Estate services
- Grounds maintenance
- Commercial, technical and operational strategies
- Sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives
- Resident engagement programmes
We provide guidance on best practices for achieving value for money and social value through procurement activities. Thornton & Lowe helps RPs navigate complex framework agreements and develop effective supplier relationships.
Our consultants work closely with RP staff to build internal procurement capabilities and improve processes.
How Thornton & Lowe Tailors Services to RPs' Needs
Thornton & Lowe recognises that each RP has unique requirements and challenges. We offer flexible, customised services to meet individual organisational needs.
Our approach includes:
- Conducting thorough needs assessments
- Developing bespoke procurement strategies
- Providing targeted training for RP staff
- Offering ongoing support and advice
Across our team we have worked with over 50 housing associations across the UK, mobilising and delivering services, driving efficiencies, innovation, social value and continuous improvement. Via our Social Housing Consultancy Division, our clients include:
- Bournvile Village Trust
- Care HA
- Gentoo
- Incommunities
- Longhurst Group
- Prestwich North West Housing Association
- Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
- South Lakes Housing
- Thenue Housing
Understanding RP Procurement
Responsible Procurement (RP) is reshaping how organisations approach their purchasing decisions. It incorporates ethical, environmental, and social considerations into the procurement process.
The Procurement Act 2023: Key Changes and Updates
The Procurement Act 2023 introduces significant changes to the UK's procurement landscape. It aims to simplify and modernise procurement procedures, making them more efficient and transparent.
Key updates include:
- A new flexible competitive procedure, replacing the current complex set of procedures
- Mandatory exclusion of suppliers for misconduct or poor performance
- Introduction of a central debarment list for problematic suppliers
- Enhanced transparency requirements, including publication of procurement pipelines
These changes will affect how you plan and execute your procurement strategies. You'll need to familiarise yourself with the new procedures and ensure your processes align with the Act's requirements.
Implications for Registered Providers and Housing Associations
The Act brings notable implications for Registered Providers (RPs) and Housing Associations:
- Increased scrutiny: The new Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will have the authority to investigate your compliance with the Act. New tender notices and reporting requirements increases transparency.
- Duty to implement: You'll be required to act on any recommendations made by the PRU.
- Fair work practices: When relevant, you'll need to consider suppliers' fair work practices, including Living Wage commitments.
- A new set of rules: Ultimately, while similar in ways the Procurement Act is changing procurement in the UK from notices, procedures and timeframes.
These changes will require you to update your procurement policies and procedures. You'll need to ensure your staff are trained on the new requirements and that your systems can support the increased transparency demands.
Compliance Challenges and How to Address Them
Adapting to the new procurement regime may present challenges:
- Understanding new procedures: Invest in training for your procurement team to grasp the nuances of the new flexible competitive procedure.
- Supplier management: Develop robust systems for assessing and monitoring supplier performance to avoid issues with the central debarment list.
- Transparency requirements: Upgrade your IT systems to facilitate easy publication of procurement pipelines and other required information.
To address these challenges, consider:
- Partnering with procurement experts or consultancies for guidance
- Implementing RP-focused criteria in your framework agreements
- Using tools like the Sustainability and Climate Management (SCM) RP tool to assess your practices
By proactively addressing these challenges, you can ensure your organisation remains compliant and benefits from the new procurement landscape.
Speak to an expert!
Contact usHow Thornton & Lowe Can Help Registered Providers
Thornton & Lowe offers specialised support to help Registered Providers optimise their procurement processes and achieve better outcomes. Our expertise spans strategic solutions, value enhancement, and risk mitigation.
Strategic Procurement Solutions For Housing Associations
Thornton & Lowe provides tailored procurement strategies for housing associations. We analyse your current procurement practices and identify areas for improvement.
Our team helps you develop robust procurement policies aligned with legal requirements and industry best practices. This ensures your organisation makes informed decisions and maximises its buying power.
Our experts guide you through complex tender processes, helping you select the most suitable suppliers for your specific needs.
Enhancing Value For Money Through Outsourced Support
By outsourcing procurement support to Thornton & Lowe, you can focus on core activities while benefiting from our specialised knowledge.
Our team conducts thorough market research to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative solutions. This helps you make data-driven decisions and achieve better value for money.
Thornton & Lowe's procurement portal gives you access to a wide range of public sector buyers and suppliers. This expanded network can lead to more competitive pricing and improved service quality. It's a great way to source suppliers as part of your PME duties.
We assist in developing performance metrics to measure supplier effectiveness, ensuring you receive the best value from your contracts.
Ensuring Compliance And Mitigating Procurement Risks
Thornton & Lowe ensures your procurement practices comply with 'Managing Public Money' guidelines, reducing the risk of legal issues or financial penalties.
We conduct regular audits of your procurement processes, identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending improvements. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks before they become problems.
Thornton & Lowe assists in creating clear, compliant tender documents, reducing the likelihood of disputes or challenges to your procurement decisions.
Specialist Social Housing Consultancy Services
Specialist consultancy services play a crucial role in supporting registered providers (RPs) with procurement challenges. These services offer tailored expertise to enhance efficiency, compliance, and value for money across social housing operations.
Driving Efficiencies In Supply Chain Management
Effective supply chain management is vital for RPs to optimise costs and service quality. Specialist consultants offer:
- Supplier performance evaluation
- Cost reduction strategies
- Risk management
- Product sourcing optimisation
Our experts analyse your current supply chain, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies. We help implement robust contract management processes, ensuring suppliers meet agreed terms and service levels.
Developing Procurement Strategies For Long-Term Success
Strategic procurement planning is essential for RPs to achieve sustainable value. Consultants work with you to:
- Assess current procurement practices
- Identify areas for improvement
- Develop tailored strategies
- Implement best practices
We help you align procurement with organisational goals, considering factors like social value and sustainability. Consultants also assist in price verification processes, ensuring you receive fair market rates for goods and services.
Estate Services and Grounds Maintenance Expertise
As part of our Social Housing Consultancy, we also have a specialist division helping RPs procure, manage and audit their grounds maintenance and estate services contracts (whether in-sourced or outsourced).
Supporting RPs With Bid Management And Tender Writing
Our Bid Team and Tender Writing Consultants assist RPs in navigating complex tender processes, ensuring competitive and compliant bids. We help draft compelling proposals that align with RP objectives and funder requirements. Key services include:
- Bid strategy development
- Tender response writing
- Compliance checks
- Pricing guidance
This is often a key route for income generation in social housing and one an increasing number of RPs are considering as an option.
The Future of RP Procurement
RP procurement is poised for significant transformation in the coming years. Emerging technologies and changing regulations will reshape how social housing providers approach purchasing and supplier relationships.
Anticipating Regulatory Changes and Market Trends
You'll need to stay ahead of evolving regulations in the social housing sector. New sustainability requirements are likely to impact procurement practices. Expect tighter rules around energy efficiency and carbon emissions for building materials and appliances.
Market trends point towards increased digitisation of procurement processes. E-procurement platforms will become more sophisticated, offering advanced analytics and automation. This will help you make data-driven decisions and streamline operations.
Supply chain disruptions may continue to pose challenges. You should focus on building resilient supplier networks and exploring local sourcing options where feasible. Diversifying your supplier base can help mitigate risks and ensure continuity of essential services.
Innovations in Procurement for Social Housing Providers
Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a larger role in procurement. These technologies can help you predict maintenance needs, optimise inventory levels, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Blockchain technology may revolutionise contract management and supplier verification. This could lead to more transparent and efficient procurement processes, reducing fraud risks and improving traceability.
Smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices will enable real-time monitoring of assets and supplies. You'll be able to implement predictive maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of housing infrastructure.
The Role of Outsourcing in Driving Efficiency
Outsourcing non-core procurement functions will become more prevalent. This allows you to focus on strategic activities while leveraging external expertise for routine tasks.
Managed service providers will offer end-to-end procurement solutions, from sourcing to payment processing. These services can help you achieve cost savings and improve compliance with regulatory requirements.
Collaboration with other housing associations through shared procurement initiatives may increase. This can lead to economies of scale and better negotiating power with suppliers.
Virtual procurement teams and remote working arrangements will become more common. This shift can help you access a wider talent pool and reduce overhead costs associated with traditional office-based procurement teams.
Why Choose Thornton & Lowe For RP Procurement?
Thornton & Lowe offers specialised procurement services tailored to Registered Providers in the social housing sector. With industry knowledge and a results-driven approach, we support RPs in optimising their procurement processes and achieving better value for money.
Proven Experience In The Social Housing Sector
Thornton & Lowe brings extensive experience working with housing associations and other Registered Providers. Our team understands the unique challenges and regulatory requirements of social housing procurement.
We have helped numerous RPs develop compliant procurement strategies aligned with the Public Contracts Regulations and value for money principles. Our expertise covers various procurement areas, including maintenance contracts, development projects, and IT systems.
By choosing Thornton & Lowe, you benefit from our track record of successful procurement outcomes in your sector. Our insights can help you navigate complex tendering processes and supplier relationships more effectively.
Tailored Support For Registered Providers' Unique Needs
Thornton & Lowe recognises that each Registered Provider has distinct procurement needs. We offer bespoke support to match your specific requirements and organisational goals, such as:
- Developing procurement policies and procedures
- Writing procurement strategies
- Managing tender processes
- Supplier evaluation and selection
- Contract negotiation support
Results-Driven Approach To Procurement Success
Thornton & Lowe focuses on delivering tangible results for your organisation. We employ a data-driven methodology to measure procurement performance and identify areas for improvement.
Key benefits of our approach include:
- Cost savings through more efficient purchasing
- Improved supplier relationships and performance
- Enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements
- Streamlined procurement processes
Our team helps you set clear procurement objectives and key performance indicators. We provide ongoing support to track progress and make data-informed decisions. This results-oriented mindset ensures your investment in procurement services translates into real value for your organisation and tenants.
