Further strengthening its position and increasing stakeholder value across procurement and compliance, The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has recently re-negotiated a number of its key framework agreements in order to drive even greater value and added-value service when it comes to buying catering products through its frameworks. And significantly, responding to market demands, it has extended its services to local authorities operating in broader market channels.
Framework agreements extended for use by other public bodies
Traditionally TUCO has operated on behalf of Higher and Further education’ institutions, which make up its core membership. However, as part of its new approach and growing market presence TUCO has extended its framework agreements for use by other public bodies such as local authorities, hospitals and healthcare and charitable institutions potentially benefiting the wider public sector through a best practice ethos.
Local authorities who utilise TUCO’s framework agreements will automatically be fully compliant with legislative requirement, (which states that purchases over £173,934 must be spent through a compliant contract or agreement) whilst also being able to benefit from the organisation’s collective spending power in excess of £125 million, boosting its ability to lead the market and offer highly competitive prices.
Profits passed on
Importantly, TUCO is unique in being not-for-profit, passing larger savings onto those using its framework agreements as well as re-investing in its members via training and skills development programmes.
All TUCO framework agreements are independently audited, with all stages of the process documented for transparency. Categories cover food, beverages and catering related products and are always entered into with additional factors in mind such as costs, safety, market trends and product appeal.
Framework agreements mitigate risk for members and local authorities
In using a framework agreement members and related organisations mitigate huge risk that comes with making independent purchasing decisions.
Mike Haslin, TUCO Chief Operating Officer, commented:
“This is a significant announcement for not only our members but for broader local authorities who can now take advantage of the benefits on offer to them. TUCO is committed to procurement best practice, and by extension to developing new links with related organisations outside our traditional membership, so they might benefit from the most positive aspects of our framework agreements.
“The cost and time saving that can be made using a TUCO framework agreement cannot be matched, and as a not-for-profit organisation we consider ourselves a perfect partner for public sector operators, offering them great value and opportunity as part of a collective that shares an ethos of best practice without the onus of profit-making.”
Recently negotiated TUCO framework agreements include fresh and frozen meat and light catering equipment. TUCO partners with some of the leading suppliers in the sector, as well as actively seeking partnerships with smaller, local partners.
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