Crescent Purchasing Consortium
The Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) is a one-stop procurement shop designed to be the procurement partner of choice for the UK education sector. CPC offers over 90 compliant procurement frameworks, with 17 approved by the Department for Education (DfE), covering a wide range of products and services. The initiative aims to simplify and streamline the procurement process for educational institutions, saving them time and money while ensuring compliance with UK Public Contracts Regulations.
CPC provides its members with access to pre-vetted suppliers, online quote tools, and expert procurement support. The consortium also offers procurement consultancy services, including on-site support and tender management. A unique aspect of CPC is its charitable status, which allows it to reinvest surpluses back into the education sector through its Giving Back initiative. Since 2019, over ?1.56 million has been invested in various educational projects and grants.
Pros
Simplified procurement process, saving time and effort for educational institutions
Potential cost savings through supplier competition and collective buying power
Compliance with UK Public Contracts Regulations, reducing legal risks
Access to expert procurement advice and support
Reinvestment of surpluses into the education sector through grants and projects
Cons
Limited to UK educational institutions, not applicable internationally.
Requires membership, which may create an initial barrier for some institutions.
Dependence on pre-selected suppliers may limit choices in some cases.
Partners
The CPC now boasts 9675 member institutions across the UK