The £20bn NEPRO Innovation is a platform through which public sector organisations can procure goods, services, works and technology
Top row from left: Katie Dawson, NEPRO procurement coordinator; Ruth Long, NEPRO lead; Michael Murray, NEPO commercial manager; Aimee Cook, Constellia operational procurement and systems lead, and Terence Milner, Constellia public sector and utilities director. Seated, from left: Nicola Shelley, NEPO managing director; Rob Levene, Constellia chairman, and Steven Sinclair, NEPO procurement and commercial director.(Image: NEPRO)
More than 30 jobs are to be created with the launch of a new service to connect North East firms with public sector contracts.
The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) says it will open a new office to serve its £20bn NEPRO Innovation solution. The project, which is being delivered in partnership with London-based counterpart Constellia, promises a “more flexible, transparent and efficient route to market for public sector organisations and suppliers alike”.
Based out of offices in The Catalyst building on the Newcastle Helix site, NEPRO Innovation is designed by the NEPO team. It is intended to help navigate multiple frameworks for different categories, including everything from IT infrastructure to consultancy and construction projects.
It will be delivered through NEPO’s neutral vendor model and will see Constellia build on and adapt the approach it has used across 300 organisations, managing more than £400m spending. Under the arrangement, Constellia works with organisations to source the most suitable and appropriate supplier.
It manages a marketplace of more than 4,000 suppliers, many of which are SMEs. The model can be adapted to different needs and is said open doors for small businesses, giving procurement teams additional capacity when they need it.
Steven Sinclair, procurement and commercial director at NEPO, said: “NEPRO Innovation is the latest addition to the NEPRO portfolio, representing a step change in how the public sector delivers outcomes through a single, compliant route to market. Enabled by the Procurement Act 2023 and designed by procurement professionals, it allows delivery of complex projects that may require cross-category expertise, commercial flexibility and robust contract management.
“It is particularly suited to authorities seeking innovative, outcome-focused solutions while maintaining the compliance, assurance and governance standards expected within the public sector. NEPRO Innovation is accessible to the public sector through our free NEPO Associate Membership, offering a straightforward, low-risk route to high-quality procurement outcomes.”
Rob Levene, chair of Constellia, added: “We’re delighted to partner with NEPO on their second neutral vendor framework. NEPO’s trusted reputation and public sector expertise complement Constellia’s established neutral vendor approach. We’ll be delivering NEPRO Innovation using the same proven methodology that has worked successfully across our existing client base.
“The national availability of this framework means public sector organisations across the UK can benefit from this combined strength.”
John McCabe, chief executive, North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Unlocking the North East economy means making sure businesses of all sizes can access opportunity and compete on a level playing field. Too often, small and medium-sized enterprises find public procurement complex and difficult to navigate.
“NEPO’s more open and flexible approach through NEPRO Innovation is a positive step towards widening participation, strengthening local supply chains and ensuring more public sector investment supports North East growth. It is encouraging to see organisations from our region leading innovation that can deliver lasting economic impact.”