News
South East Consortium
Launch of 'Supply Solutions' Initiative - April 2008
Contractors working with the South East Consortium (SEC) will benefit from greater cost savings and business opportunities thanks to a recently launched new initiative.
Supply Solutions is the first scheme of its kind in the region. It was launched last month at mhs Homes’ headquarters in Chatham, Kent. The event was attended by nearly 60 delegates representing 25 companies and organisations.
The SEC has linked up with Valueworks to develop a supply chain community with and for its contractors, to deliver up to 20% savings on the costs of materials. ‘Cost-down’ deals will be negotiated with suppliers for members, who will then be able to use them for all projects. Their involvement should help members secure more work both with the SEC and other clients.
Haley Richmond, SEC Programme and Project Manager said: “This joint working with Valueworks develops a supply chain process through which everyone is a winner. By dealing with our members, suppliers can be sure they will sell a lot more of their products to others and will therefore be in a position to give a better deal and a more competitive rate than they could otherwise have done. We have had very positive feedback about this.”
David Bowes, Commercial Director at Valueworks said: “Buying clubs come and go. True supply chain collaboration is easy to talk about but difficult to do. SEC and the contractors involved have demonstrated an ability to see the bigger picture by committing to making this work in practice”.
Although initially targeted at SEC’s contractors, Supply Solutions will be open to all contractors working across the South East, and one of its specific aims is to develop small and medium sized enterprises by introducing them to supply chain best practice.
Whilst contractors will benefit in many ways, the primary driver is “more for less” meaning quality products and service at a lower price by working together. This no-nonsense approach is reflected in the way Supply Solutions is set up – there are no membership or joining fees, but contractors are expected to commit to the principles of collaborative working.
For more information:
Please contact: Katie Rayner, Technical Administrator, SEC on 01795 418991. katie.rayner@amicushorizon.org.uk
Or visit SEC’s website
Notes:
- The South East Consortium has 15 members, managing more than 70,000 properties.
- AmicusHorizon Group is the lead accountable body
The core group comprises AmicusHorizon Group, mhs Group Ltd, Town & Country Housing Group and West Kent Housing Association. SEC is constituted as a contractual body and managed by a board of nominated individuals from each member organisation.
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