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Published
By Ashley Cox
They say variety is the spice of life - and Crescent Purchasing Consortium's catalogue of purchasing frameworks (and Dynamic Purchasing Systems) represents an eclectic mix. Here's some more of what CPC can offer this academic year.
Helping CPC's 10,000+ member institutions approach a wide range of purchasing projects with confidence, these compliant buying solutions are ready-made resources for the education sector, spanning various diverse fields, industries and genres.
From catering provisions to cleaning solutions, CPC’s status as a trusted procurement partner is long established, yet even our long-term members may have missed some of the hidden gems completing our comprehensive collection of 80+ agreements.
While the following frameworks may have previously sat a little way under the radar, CPC is pleased to shine a light on each of them and highlight some of their benefits. Looking to procure new services this September for the busy year ahead? Read on...
Fire Safety Equipment, Fire Alarms, Suppression Systems and Associated Services
A purchasing framework as worthy as it is wordy, the NEUPC Fire Safety Equipment, Fire Alarms, Suppression Systems and Associated Services framework is a four-lot solution for compliant procurement in this important field. With six suppliers per lot conducive to healthy competition, the framework offers our CPC members a handful of differing approaches, with further competition, direct award and desktop exercise options. Don't gamble with insufficient fire safety provisions, procure from our approved suppliers, by way of this simple framework, with CPC Contact Manager assistance and support resources included.
Security Staffing and Associated Services
Keeping your premises secure is imperative in the summer, but it's even more important now young learners have returned. CPC's Security Staffing and Associated Services framework compiles a number of security solutions, from manned guarded services and mobile security patrols to key holding, alarm response and locking and unlocking services. Have you considered acquiring or upgrading remote CCTV monitoring/management? What about event-focused security, or even canine detection? The options here are multiple, with all our suppliers pre-assessed for their competency. This framework also benefits from its extensive, multi-lot coverage, serving the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, as well as the UK's four component nations.
Signs and Wayfinding Solutions
If you're a signed-up CPC member in need of procurement solutions, but are still looking out for a sign, might we point you in the direction of the Signs and Wayfinding Solutions framework. Offering complete, end-to-end signage project solutions, this agreement can connect institutions with seven suitable suppliers, with the ability to take on design, installation, maintenance, upkeep, disposal and re-use. Procurement problems might be a sign of the times, but this handy NEUPC framework in CPC's compliant catalogue can help you obtain the kind of signage and services required.
Insurance and Associated Services
What about when things go wrong? CPC's Insurance and Associated Services framework can help you find an appropriate safety net, with this three-lot 2025 agreement recommended to schools and academies by the Department for Education. Bringing together previous CPC frameworks to create a more comprehensive, one-stop resource, the framework caters for a variety of colleges and universities, as well as academies and schools, with its scope covering property, contents, liabilities, indemnities, accident, travel and legal expenses, plus more. With specialist advice accessible to members via Risk2Value Ltd., the framework's third and final lot facilitates access to peripheral covers not included in the DfE's Risk Protection Arrangement. Therefore, eligible member institutions can use this lot for cyber risk, engineering damage and motor vehicle cover, plus more.
Lift Supply, Installation, Maintenance and Consultancy
Got the back to school blues and in need of a lift? NEUPC's brand new Lift Supply, Installation, Maintenance and Consultancy framework can certainly help with the latter. That escalated quickly. With incumbent suppliers R J Lift Services ready to support CPC members across the framework's six different regions, EA Foulds Limited have been installed as exclusive providers of the Lift Installation and Modernisation lot, while six different supplier options are in place for Lift Consultancy. With a scheduled end date of August 2028, there's plenty of time to make use of this framework, but no-one likes waiting for lifts, do they?
Electrical Vehicle Charging Point - Supply, Installation, Maintenance and Consultancy
As CPC endeavours to adopt framework solutions for new and emerging technological advancements, our new Electrical Vehicle Charging Point framework can empower your procurement of EV charging kit. Launched in August 2025, members with electrical vehicle stock may use CPC's framework for a range of charging support, with standard, fast and rapid options, plus charging station installation. Adjacent provisions of maintenance, consultancy, energy usage assessment and site surveys also fall within the framework's remit, with relevant software and back office solutions among additional aspects on offer. Another expansive agreement, 13 different regions of the British Isles are catered for, with a final lot encompassing all.
Leasing Services DPS
Finally, a number of our Dynamic Purchasing Systems remain very much in play, post-Procurement Act 2023, including our compliant Leasing Services DPS. One of the main benefits of a DPS is the built-in flexibility that allows new suppliers to come on board across its lifespan. The four-lot Leasing Services DPS follows this blueprint, with the resource set to remain active through to the final day of October 2027. Contracted leasing advisors at UniLink Finance Ltd. can provide our members with professional guidance and support, while offering help with lessor bid evaluation. Be it ICT or AV technology and equipment, kitted-out sports pitches or playgrounds, the Leasing Services DPS offers a comprehensive route to procuring leasing solutions.