News

The South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) is a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest our surplus to support local initiatives in South West communities, working collaboratively with our valued Clients and Associate Partners to direct the funding to those that need it most. This is particularly timely considering the cost-of-living crisis, which has unfortunately led to the decline of community resources. A good example of this, is South Devon College, who have used their rebate award to be spent on provisions for the Student Food and Welfare Bank, a December 2024 initiative which provided food, basic underwear and Christmas presents, amongst other items, for those who needed them.

The rebates were awarded during 2024 to our Associate Partners, based on their spending through our frameworks. They help to bolster projects, local initiatives, and community activities, and are very often invested by our Clients to directly support their residents.

SWPA’s Regional Manager, Penny Searson, Technical Support Manager, Kaye Wills, and Client Support Manager, Rosie Bates, have visited clients throughout the South West to award these much-needed rebate cheques. The total amount awarded for spending in 2023/24 was £ 85,750.

These rebates are substantial and will go a long way in supporting the community, and its important initiatives which so many of us depend on. Impressively, this is in addition to the £90k awarded to our Associate Partners and Committee Partners last year, to be spent on local community groups and charities in the South West.

Among the beneficiaries of these rebates were: East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Green Square Accord, Magna Housing, Selwood Housing, Somerset Council, South Devon College, Mid Devon District Council, Cornerstone Housing and LiveWest.