A publicly owned professional buying organisation helping public bodies procure compliantly, efficiently and with greater social value.
The North West Procurement Organisation (NWPO) is one of the UK’s largest public sector-owned professional buying organisations (PBO). Established in 1981, NWPO operates as a joint committee of local authorities to provide comprehensive, compliant and cost-effective procurement services to schools, local councils, emergency services, NHS bodies and charities.
NWPO's procurement solutions are the result of extensive consultation with the public sector, suppliers and end users, helping us deliver positive outcomes for the communities we serve.
We procure a wide range of goods and services, which means our procurement solutions feature suppliers of all shapes and sizes, from SMEs to large multinationals.
We work in partnership with our members, suppliers and other key stakeholders to deliver positive social value outcomes. Whether it is supporting community groups, improving the environment or helping charities, our social value delivery aims to bring about real change.
NWPO is jointly managed by nineteen member authority councils across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
NWPO manages roughly £600 million in procurement activities per annum, using collective purchasing power to help secure competitive public-sector value through three main channels.
A market-leading daily supplies catalogue featuring over 28,000 products tailored heavily toward schools and educational trusts, from stationery to cleaning supplies.
More than 100 pre-tendered, DfE-approved frameworks enabling public bodies to procure complex services through established compliant routes.
Tailored consulting and contract sourcing for large-scale public projects, including school furniture fit-outs and commercial building assets.
Water hygiene monitoring, temporary kitchens, waste management and related facilities requirements.
Software licensing, document solutions, professional services and corporate requirements.
Highways maintenance, fleet-related requirements and greener energy solutions.
Food and catering, health and social care, sports provision and library resources.
Public sector procurement has changed, and NWPO is here to help organisations understand what the reforms mean in practice.
Through the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), the government is transforming how public procurement is carried out in the UK. The changes aim to make better use of public resources, support better public services and contribute to economic growth.
With around one in every three pounds of public money spent through public procurement, the reforms place renewed emphasis on making public spending work effectively for communities and public services.
NWPO brings together useful information, training resources and links to help buyers and suppliers better understand PA23 and prepare for procurement activity under the reformed regime.
Our team brings together procurement, commercial, operational, digital and organisational expertise to support members and suppliers.
Managing Director
Procurement & Commercial Director
Open Product Owner
Procurement Manager
Commercial & Partnerships Manager
Head of Public Sector
Operations Specialist
Organisational Development Specialist
Head of Digital and eProcurement