North East Procurement Platform Launches with Major Job Creation
The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPRO) has officially launched its groundbreaking NEPRO Innovation platform, a £20 billion solution designed to streamline public sector procurement. This initiative is set to create more than 30 new jobs in the region, marking a significant boost to the local economy.
A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Procurement
Developed in collaboration with London-based counterpart Constellia, NEPRO Innovation aims to provide a more flexible, transparent, and efficient route to market for both public sector organisations and suppliers. The platform will be based out of new offices in The Catalyst building on the Newcastle Helix site, where it will help navigate multiple frameworks across various categories, including IT infrastructure, consultancy, and construction projects.
Steven Sinclair, Procurement and Commercial Director at NEPO, emphasized the platform's importance, stating, "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."
Supporting SMEs and Local Growth
Delivered through NEPO's neutral vendor model, NEPRO Innovation leverages Constellia's expertise, which has managed over £400 million in spending across 300 organisations. The platform manages a marketplace of more than 4,000 suppliers, many of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This model is adaptable to different needs and is specifically designed to open doors for small businesses, providing procurement teams with additional capacity when required.
Rob Levene, Chair of Constellia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "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. The national availability of this framework means public sector organisations across the UK can benefit from this combined strength."
Economic Impact and Community Support
John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the broader economic benefits, noting, "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."
The launch of NEPRO Innovation is particularly suited to authorities seeking innovative, outcome-focused solutions while maintaining the compliance, assurance, and governance standards expected within the public sector. It is accessible through NEPO's free Associate Membership, offering a straightforward, low-risk route to high-quality procurement outcomes.
This initiative not only fosters job creation but also positions the North East as a leader in procurement innovation, with the potential to deliver lasting economic impact across the region and beyond.
