Competition set to intensify as Fire and Rescue authorities are encouraged to adopt collaborative procurement

FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN ENGLAND ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO BUY COLLABORATIVELY IN ORDER TO REDUCE COSTS

Home office statistics revealed that while authorities paid similar prices for certain equipment, there were large discrepancies between some items. The government said in a statement it was “determined to help authorities adopt a collaborative approach”, citing both cost savings and operational benefits of standardising equipment purchases. The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA), representing senior fire officers across the UK, has said work is already under way to ensure “communities get the best value for money from the fire service”. The drive to buy collaboratively is likely to signify an increase in the usage of frameworks by fire and rescue authorities, encouraging greater procurement collaboration. An increase in framework opportunities will also result in increased competition, therefore it is more critical than ever to develop a strategy to access opportunities in the marketplace and maximise your share once appointed. Read the article here.

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