The project was one of four finalists under the category ‘Project of the Year (below £20m value)’ and was recognised for its excellence earlier this month.

Its aim was to replace a broken, mistrusted, and inefficient sourcing process which had resulted in individual arrangements with a variety of suppliers across the institution.

To fix this, leaders of the project worked hard to identify relevant teams across the institution that needed to be engaged in the process in order to select a reliable supplier that could provide items that were of a good quality and met the needs of all areas.

In addition, the board also formulated, agreed and implemented a single ordering and delivery process that satisfied the requirements of all parties.

Judges commented that the project ‘was a splendid example of how to engage with stakeholders within a project, ensuring that the outcomes exactly meet or even exceed expectations. A really well considered and detailed initiative that showcases what great procurement can achieve, more than just savings.’

Category Manager Ian Williamson led the project and added: “It was extremely gratifying to learn of the judges’ recognition of the merits of Loughborough University’s corporate and workwear procurement project at the recent UK National GO Excellence in Public Procurement Awards 2020.

“What is especially pleasing is that the positive outcomes of the undertaking could only have been achieved with the constructive involvement of a large number of stakeholders from Professional Services and Schools across the University. The level of collaboration was exceptional and the award bears testimony to what can be achieved when parties with diverse requirements co-operate to achieve a result which benefits all.”

Part of England’s Annual Festival of Procurement, the GO Awards focus on recognising innovative procurement practices across the UK. A full list of this year’s award winners can be found here.