NEPO

North Eastern Procurement Organisation - a public sector buying consortium serving councils and public bodies across North East England with collaborative procurement frameworks.

What NEPO is

The North Eastern Procurement Organisation (NEPO) is a collaborative procurement consortium established to serve local authorities and other public sector organisations across North East England. NEPO operates as a joint committee under the Local Government Act 1972, bringing together multiple councils to achieve better value through collective purchasing power.

How it works

NEPO establishes framework agreements across various categories including construction, professional services, ICT, and supplies. Member authorities can access these pre-tendered frameworks without running their own procurement exercises, saving time and resources whilst ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. The organisation conducts OJEU-compliant tender processes on behalf of its members, creating legally compliant routes to market.

Frameworks typically run for four years with optional extensions, covering everything from highways maintenance to social care services. NEPO also provides procurement advice, training, and support to help members navigate complex procurement requirements.

Benefits for public bodies

By pooling requirements across multiple authorities, NEPO can negotiate better terms and attract higher-quality suppliers than individual councils might achieve alone. This collaborative approach reduces procurement costs, minimises duplication of effort, and ensures smaller authorities can access the same professional procurement expertise as larger organisations.

NEPO membership extends beyond local councils to include housing associations, NHS trusts, police authorities, and other public sector bodies across the region, creating a substantial combined purchasing power that benefits all participants.