Blog

07.07.2023 by Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement

Rolling on the Road to Net Zero

Dean Fazackerley responds to the government’s Net Zero Review, which was published in early 2022, by giving his insight how procurement can provide the right environment to guarantee high-quality suppliers are made available to the public sector to meet net zero targets.

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Blog

01.06.2023 by Mary Bennell

Signing order for the first tranche of homes for the ‘Cluster Project

The ‘Cluster’ - An innovative partnership to deliver 996 modular homes across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire was set up last year between Magna Housing, Wiltshire Council and Rollalong a Dorset based manufacturer.

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Blog

02.05.2023 by Farah Malik

Recruiting for a Regional Marketing & Communications Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a Marketing and Communications Officer for the South West region and for them to be part of a great team.

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Blog

27.04.2023 by Farah Malik

Damp and mould and decarbonising homes

When moisture laden air comes into contact with a cold surface, condensation occurs. When there is condensation on a cold surface for an extended period, it results in mould. In most cases, this happens in kitchens or bathrooms and on external walls in other parts of a home if there are little or no insulation, i.e. cold surfaces.

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Blog

20.03.2023 by Farah Malik

Recruiting for a Regional Procurement Manager covering the South West Region

Sadly, Phillip Blackmore, our Regional Procurement Manager, will be leaving SWPA. Phil has been a great colleague of the SWPA team for over two years and will be greatly missed! We are now recruiting for his position.

The South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) is seeking to appoint a Regional Procurement Manager covering the South West Region. 

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Blog

17.03.2023 by Phillip Blackmore

Successful Tendering – Procurement Essentials

Have you bid for a public sector contract or framework previously? Were you successful, and how was the overall experience? 

Public Sector procurement has a stigma of being complex and a considerable investment of time and resources needed for the bidder. There are several perceived barriers to public sector tendering, but how can you overcome these and ultimately improve your tender experience?

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Blog

06.03.2023 by Garland UK

Garland UK Report Reveals Challenges Faced by Commercial Roofing Industry

Garland UK has published its first benchmarking report on the commercial roofing industry in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading experts. The report reveals the main challenges commercial landlords and estates teams face with their roofing assets and shares expert advice, strategies and considerations to overcome them.

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Blog

17.02.2023 by Penny Searson

Access Theatre Company - SWPA’s Community Benefit Fund

SWPA’s Community Benefit Fund, delivered in partnership with South West Community Matters, has been running since 2018. The fund is designed to support small community groups, with grants of up to £1000.00, who might otherwise fall under the radar of larger funders. We have delivered £50,000.00 of funding to over thirty-five regional groups.

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Blog

31.01.2023 by Farah Malik

Are you preparing to be awarded the SHDF? If so, what next?

All public sector organisations who applied for the social housing decarbonisation scheme will find out if they have been awarded the grant between the end of February and the start of March 2023. The gov.uk website states that grant funding agreements must be signed with successful lead applicants and projects starting in March.

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Blog

23.01.2023 by Mary Bennell

Uplifts – A guide on what it means for you

There are several issues in the supply market that are driving increases in the cost of materials and labour being used in the delivery of our frameworks

These include:

  • Additional tariffs and import administration overheads
  • Increased transport costs
  • Material shortages (driving price increases)
  • Energy price increases
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