A new procurement network, specialising in building products, is offering social housing providers and other public sector bodies the opportunity to achieve efficiency gains without compromising on quality.

LHC Network is free to join and open to any public sector organisation seeking to improve the way they procure building products. Members of LHC Network also have free access to a special project management facility, called My LHC, on the Internet where they can easily track projects on line.

LHC Network is the latest initiative from LHC, which has been a leading specialist in procuring building products for over 40 years. Already LHC Network has over 260 users including housing associations, Almos and local authority’ housing and education services.

Members of the network gain access to 14 pre-tendered framework arrangements or negotiated agreements covering all the most frequently required building product sectors including windows and doors; kitchens and bathrooms; external envelope repairs; security; and partnering contractors.

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Each arrangement is pre –tendered in an OJEU complaint manner and with full technical scrutiny by qualified and experienced LHC staff. The arrangements offer robust specifications, which address the latest technical, environmental and health & safety requirements.

The prices are competitive with clear mechanisms for price movements and the arrangements offer a number of options for “supply only”, “supply and install” or for pure installation projects, the partnering arrangement provides access to experienced contractors capable of undertaking a wide range of projects.

Joining the LHC Network gives public sector bodies six primary advantages, according to Business Development Manager, John Skivington:

“Given the timescales for achieving the Decent Homes standard, speed is of the essence and by using LHC arrangements, rather than going through the cycle of tendering and letting their own contracts, projects can be up and running on site in days rather than months.”

“It also means stretched staff resources in local authorities and other public sector bodies can be used on front line services rather than back office tasks, which is far more efficient.”

“The quality of the products and supplier companies we select is uncompromising and this means that work is completed to a high standard, protecting the long term value of the estate and also reducing maintenance and repair schedules, again enhancing efficiency.”

(CD)