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Housing Association (North West)
"Cirrus Purchasing has provided us with the benchmarking we required to make an informed business decision, we look forward to working with you in the future."

Housing Group (Wales)
"The project was delivered on time and to cost, transfer occurred on the target date and all project milestones were achieved on time."

Housing Association (North West)
"I would like to thank both Claire and [the team] for their work on the tenders, they made the process very easy."

National Energy Consultancy
"The best thing about the project was the added value provided, and also the sense that Cirrus wanted the very best for us."

Housing Association (North West)
"The feedback was specific to our company and included information that was important to us. The experience was very enlightening. Overall we are very satisfied.”

SME Contractor (North West)
News
Ranked 1st Focus: Jewson Partnership Solutions
29th January 2024

The 6th succession of our highly regarded Building Materials Framework provides quick and flexible access to the full range of materials required by consortium members in full compliance with the relevant public procurement legislation.

Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS), part of The STARK Group, are ranked 1st on:
  • Lot 1: Managed services
  • Lot 2: General building materials
  • Lot 3: Plumbing and heating materials
  • Lot 5: Highways & civil materials,
and are also available to trade through:
  • Lot 4: Electrical materials
  • Lot 6: Painting and decorating
  • Lot 7: Tool and plant hire.
JPS offered the following insight:

'We support the Social Housing sector by partnering with Registered Providers and Public Sector organisations to create bespoke solutions for materials supply that helps them to efficiently maintain and develop their housing stock.

Relationships are one of the fundamental building blocks of any business. Healthy and long-lasting relationships deliver for you and deliver for us, that’s why our strategy is built around creating relationships that deliver people who are unequivocally focused on delivering efficiency, innovation and value to your organisation. Each of our customers have different pressures, priorities and objectives. Key to the success of our partnership is getting to know you and understanding your vision and strategy. We then align our solutions in a way that will help you. Communication is key after all.'

Scott Cooper, Managing Director at JPS, said:
“It’s amazing to have this framework recognise the strength of our offering in this way. This is a fantastic win for the whole JPS team and I want to extend my thanks to all the team who continue to make awards like this possible.”

For more information on JPS please contact the JPS Team or visit their website here.
Clean Heat Market Mechanism
1st January 2024
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) has now been launched by the UK Government. Under the scheme, boiler manufacturers are required to meet quotas for the proportion of heat pumps sold in comparison to fossil fuel boilers, with the introduction of penalties for boiler manufacturers who do not meet their quota of heat pump sales.

The aim of the mechanism is to increase the installation of heat pumps and reduce the dependency on traditional heating systems.

The Government has said manufacturers must hold low-carbon heat pump credits corresponding to 4% of their relevant gas boiler sales above 20,000 units and 4% of their relevant oil boiler sales above 1,000 units in the first year of the scheme. This quota will then rise to 6% in year 2 of the scheme. A £3,000 fine will be charged for every missed heat pump sale.

As a direct result, manufacturers have implemented price increases applicable on boilers purchased from 1st January 2024, typically referring to this as the 'CHMM Levy', (or similar).

You can read the Clean Heat Market Mechanism Consultation in full here. However if you would like to discuss this further with a member of our team please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or Tashi Jackson on 07904 674499 or tjackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk.

New Public Procurement Thresholds from January 2024
1st November 2023

The Cabinet Office has announced the updated financial thresholds under the various UK procurement regulations. The new thresholds will apply to contracts advertised from 1st January 2024.

The change will see all of the thresholds increase slightly, except for the Light Touch Regime which will stay the same. The new procurement values will continue to be calculated inclusive of VAT.

It’s worth noting that the increases in the thresholds are below the level of inflation since the last update in Jan-22. This makes it likely that more contracts will be covered and must therefore follow the above-threshold procedures.

Contracting authorities will need to:
  • Ensure the new values are circulated to staff
  • Review expenditure for any contracts that will now fall under the new thresholds
  • Update company policy documentation
If you would like further information or advice on the Public Procurement (Agreement on Government Procurement) (Thresholds) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 / cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or Tashi Jackson on 07904 674499 / tjackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk.
The Procurement Bill receives Royal Assent
26th October 2023

It’s official! The Procurement Bill has today received Royal Assent. The Bill has completed its passage through the House of Lords and the House of Commons and is now an Act of Parliament (law).

While the Procurement Act is now law, it will not come into effect immediately. The new rules are likely to be enforced from October 2024, however there is plenty of preparation to be done before that date.

This is guaranteed to be an interesting period within procurement where organisations across the country get to grips with the changes and continuity within the new regime.

If you would like further information or advice on the changes please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk.
Cirrus remain carbon negative for 13 consecutive years
28th September 2023

Cirrus are happy to announce that we’ve remained a completely carbon negative company for the 13th consecutive year. We’ve now planted 213 trees, and donated to various environmental charities across England, Scotland and Wales, offsetting more carbon each year than we’ve produced.

We have also continued our ethos to prioritise the use of public transport where possible when travelling for business, resulting in over 70% of our business travel having been made via public transport in the last year.

As part of our annual contribution to environmental charities, this year we have planted trees with Make it Wild who work across England, and Trees for Life in Scotland as well as donating to Keep Wales Tidy.

Make it Wild offer tree and other dedications as well as nature connected activities. They planted their 60,000th tree in March 2023, dug ponds, restored wildflower hay meadows, protected ancient woodland and created many different habitats across nine sites.

The Trees for Life mission is to rewild the Scottish Highlands by enabling the restoration of the globally unique Caledonian Forest which once covered much of Scotland.

Keep Wales Tidy is a charity committed to working with local communities across Wales to protect the environment now and for the future. Their vision as a charity is for a beautiful Wales cared for and enjoyed by everyone.

We have a diverse client base with consortium members across England, Scotland and Wales. In recognition of our members continued support we wanted to again donate to green charities across the three nations.

Framework now live! Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework 6
7th July 2023

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 6th succession of our highly regarded Building Materials Framework tendered by the Cirrus Consortium. The framework is now live and available for use by contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.

The latest arrangement builds on the success of the previous 5 frameworks as well as consortium member feedback, extensive pre-engagement and our insight into the wider market.

Key focuses include greater flexibility for conducting direct awards under the framework and assessing the environmental and social value commitments of our suppliers in more depth.

The following suppliers have been awarded a place on the framework:
  • Alliance Tool Hire
  • Bradford & Sons Ltd
  • Brewers Decorator Centres
  • City Electrical Factors Limited
  • City Plumbing Supplies Holdings Ltd
  • Crown Paints
  • Edmundson Electrical
  • Huws Gray Ltd
  • Jewson Partnership Solutions
  • Keyline
  • Plumbase Ltd
  • PPG Architectural Coatings UK Ltd
  • Robert Price BM Ltd
  • Sovini Trade Supplies
  • Sunbelt Rentals Limited
  • Travis Perkins Managed Services
  • Wolseley UK Ltd
  • YESSS Electrical
Congratulations to all of the suppliers who have been awarded a place on the new framework, we are very much looking forward to working with you all.

As pioneers in the building materials framework sector, we're proud of our heritage, having published our first Cirrus Consortium framework 14 years ago in March 2009. This framework keeps maximum flexibility, value for money and compliance at its core whilst also combining our in-depth procurement knowledge that has seen us lead in the building materials framework realm for over a decade.

We look forward to continuing to build more successful partnerships and setting the bar high for public sector frameworks.

Please get in touch with our Consortium Lead, Lucy on 07983 532407 or ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk if you would like to discuss the new framework.
Coming Soon: Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework 6
30th June 2023

As pioneers in the building materials framework sector, we're proud of our heritage, having published our first Cirrus Consortium framework 14 years ago in March 2009.

Our frameworks were originally set up to assist our consultancy clients and therefore have always been designed with value for money, compliance, maximum flexibility, supplier choice and social value in mind and, as a result, we have been market-leading since the Consortium’s inception. Our first Cirrus Consortium framework was designed to streamline the procurement process, saving time and resources. This unique blend of deep-rooted expertise and a genuine commitment to our clients sets us apart in this increasingly crowded market.

We have always believed it is best practice to be open and transparent about our 0.5% management fee with all of our members – it’s the lowest in the market on a materials framework nationally and it has been at this market leading level since 2009, something which we pride ourselves on.

As we roll out our latest framework in the coming weeks, we stay true to our values - combining our in-depth procurement knowledge with the innovation that has seen us lead in the building materials framework market for over a decade. Here's to the future, where we continue to leverage our building materials experience to forge more successful partnerships and set the bar high in the public sector framework realm.

We will release further information on the latest materials framework once it is live. All Cirrus frameworks are available for use by all contracting authorities including Local Authorities, Registered Providers of Social Housing, Police & Emergency Services, NHS Trusts, Schools & Universities and Registered Charities.

Please get in touch with our Consortium Lead, Lucy on 07983 532407 or ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk if you would like to discuss the new framework.
Ranked 1st Focus: Go Green Ltd
9th June 2023

The Cirrus Consortium Waste Management Framework offers members access to a range of services including (but not limited to) total waste management, waste drop off solutions, recycling services, skip hire services, the provision of waste receptacles, office waste collections, hazardous waste management, clinical waste management and waste management consultancy & advice services.

The Waste Framework includes a selection of 12 leading suppliers to the housing and public sectors who have been chosen via a tender conducted in full compliance with public procurement legislation.

Go Green Ltd are ranked 1st on:
  • Lot 1: North East
  • Lot 2: North West
  • Lot 4: East Midlands
  • Lot 5: West Midlands
  • Lot 6: East of England
  • Lot 7: London
  • Lot 8: South East
  • Lot 9: South West
  • Lot 10: Wales
  • Lot 11: Scotland
Go Green Ltd are also available to trade through Lot 3: Yorkshire & the Humber, they have offered the following insight:

"Go Green Ltd are an ever-evolving business leader in outsourced waste management and recycling solutions, utilising innovation and sustainability to develop our bespoke services. Whether you’re in need of a quick skip hire, internal segregation bins for recycling or the removal of hazardous waste streams; with a flexible and customised approach to waste management, our bespoke services mean Go Green can tailor the right solution to each customer’s individual needs.

Go Green Ltd was the progressive solution to a family led business who, in 1968, existed in the exact site where our Headquarters stand today. Through identifying the need for locally minded values, Go Green was established in 2000 to offer complete waste management and recycling options.

With over 50 years’ experience, we have been able to share our expertise with our customers regardless of the complexity of a required provision. To provide a service in which our customers trust us to deliver compliance, customer service and sustainability goes to show that you really can do it all.

We offer simplified and practical solutions which support a range of businesses; this is managed by utilising our customer focused teams both in the office and on site. Our business operations encapsulate three core values:
  • Innovation
  • Sustainability
  • Legal Compliance
Go Green are proud to have expanded a further three business divisions: WasteOnline, GB Waste and The Green Scheme. Each have their own focus, targeting sections of the market previously untapped by Go Green, and making a service available to customers with niche requirements.

For more information on this offering please get in touch via:
Email: sales@gogreen.co.uk
Tel: 01302 861 130
Website: Go Green"

Please get in touch with our Consortium Lead, Lucy on 07983 532407 or ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk if you would like to discuss awarding to Go Green through the Cirrus Consortium Waste Management.
Ranked 1st Focus: Reed
22nd May 2023

The Cirrus Consortium Agency, Labour & Recruitment Framework covers the provision of temporary and permanent staff, including interim placements in full compliance with the relevant public procurement legislation.

Reed are ranked 1st on:
  • Lot 2a: Manual services - recruitment of temporary workers
  • Lot 4: Neutral vendor
  • Lot 5: Master vendor
Reed are also available to trade through the following lots of the Cirrus Consortium Agency Labour & Recruitment Framework:
  • Lot 1a: Professional services staff - recruitment of temporary workers
  • Lot 1b: Professional services staff - recruitment of permanent workers
  • Lot 2b: Manual services staff - recruitment of permanent workers
  • Lot 3a: Executive and management level staff - recruitment of temporary workers
  • Lot 3b: Executive and management level staff - recruitment of permanent workers

Reed have offered the following insight:

"'Whatever your workforce challenge, our experts can help design a resourcing solution that secures you the talent that you need. Tell us your problem, and we can help you solve it.'

As the number one ranked supplier from the recent Cirrus framework renewal for the delivery of Neutral and Master Vendor recruitment models, we can support you to access and unlock the talent your organisation needs to grow and succeed in an ever-changing world.

As an integral part of your company’s talent strategy, we ensure your workforce solution not only accesses the skills you need - no matter how niche - but reflects your employee value proposition (EVP), equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDI&B) programme, and supports talent mapping for your future needs. With the talented professionals you need at your fingertips, managed services with Reed can reduce your time to hire by up to 70%.

We manage your sourcing, engagement, administration, and pre-employment vetting through a single process, creating a supply chain that’s streamlined, engaged and stress free. Our solutions help you make the right workforce decisions for your business, from deployment to people strategy and cost management. We can deliver on average, 18% savings on your total recruitment spend.

For more information on this offering please visit Reed Talent Solutions or contact our Framework Manager Stephanie Grandon at Framework.Support@reed.com"

For the full story visit Reed's supplier landing page here.

Tender live! Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework 6
19th April 2023

The tender for the 6th succession of our highly popular building materials framework is now live. The new framework will replace the existing Cirrus Consortium arrangement due to expire in August 2023.

Our team has conducted extensive pre-engagement with both our current consortium members and suppliers, as well as future members and suppliers, in order to design the most user-friendly and flexible framework possible. Key focuses include greater flexibility for direct awarding under the framework and assessing the environmental and social value commitments of our suppliers in more depth.

We hope these additions will be useful to our current and prospective consortium members. The new framework covers the following lots:
  • Lot 1: Managed Services
  • Lot 2: General building materials
  • Lot 3: Plumbing and heating materials (including gas spares and renewables)
  • Lot 4: Electrical materials
  • Lot 5: Highways and civil materials
  • Lot 6: Painting and decorating supplies
  • Lot 7: Tool and plant hire
The Cirrus Consortium has been an effective and compliant route to market for contracting authorities nationwide over the last decade. The Consortium currently consists of Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, ALMOs and NHS Trusts. The new framework will be available for use by all Cirrus Consortium Members and contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.

Suppliers can express their interest in the opportunity and view the tender documents here.

The deadline for tender submissions is 12 noon, Monday 22nd May 2023.

Please get in touch with our Consortium Lead, Lucy on 07983 532407 or ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk if you would like to discuss the new framework.
Procurement Policy Note 03/23: Standard Selection Questionnaire
31st March 2023
The revised Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ), which the Cabinet Office published earlier this year via Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/23, should be in use from tomorrow (1st April).

The PPN, which replaced PPN 08/16, updated the Selection Questionnaire (SQ) and accompanying statutory guidance to reflect amendments which have been made based on feedback from buyers and suppliers in order to improve the supplier selection process.

Contracting authorities and suppliers bidding for public sector tender opportunities should familiarise themselves with the updated SQ and ensure the new version is circulated within their organisations.

If you would like further information or advice on this PPN please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk

The full PPN is available to view here.
New framework live: Cirrus Consortium Waste Management Framework
17th March 2023

Our new waste management framework has landed! We are very happy to announce that the Cirrus Consortium Waste Management Framework is now live and available for use by contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.

The newest addition to our framework portfolio provides our Consortium members quick, flexible and Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) compliant access to a range of services across 12 leading suppliers including:
  • Acumen Waste Services
  • Biffa Waste Services
  • Bywaters (Leyton)
  • Circle Recycling
  • Circle Waste
  • City Centre Containers
  • Enva England
  • Enviro Skip Hire
  • Go Green
  • Reconomy
  • Recycling Lives (Environmental Services)
  • Suez Recycling and Recovery UK
After several direct requests from our members we have expanded our framework portfolio, working closely with Plus Dane Housing, we’ve created a user-friendly framework with maximum ease and flexibility in mind. The framework offers members access to a range of services including (but not limited to) total waste management, waste drop off solutions, recycling services, skip hire services, the provision of waste receptacles, office waste collections, hazardous waste management, clinical waste management and waste management consultancy & advice services.

We hope this new framework will be useful to our current and prospective consortium members.

As always, there are no joining fees or ongoing costs payable to become a consortium member or to use the framework. Framework suppliers are required to make payment of 0.5% of invoiced turnover from call-off contracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest fee charged to suppliers on a waste management framework nationally, something we pride ourselves on.

For more information on the waste framework, visit our waste page or contact our Consortium Lead, Lucy Jackson via 07983 532407 / ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
Framework live: Cirrus Consortium Agency Labour & Recruitment Framework
17th January 2023

It’s here! We are extremely excited to announce that the Cirrus Consortium Agency, Labour & Recruitment Framework 3 is now live and available for use by contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland. Our 3rd agency framework builds on the strengths of the previous 2 frameworks by taking on board our consortium member feedback, extensive pre-engagement with agency suppliers and also incorporating our insight into the wider market.

The replacement framework offers members quick, flexible and compliant access to 33 leading agencies nationwide.

What’s new?

We’ve created an even more user-friendly framework with maximum ease and flexibility in mind. This time, we’ve simplified the lot structure while retaining the broad scope of services as well as incorporating a neutral vendor lot.

We hope these additions will be useful to our current and prospective consortium members.

The new framework covers the following lots:
  • Lot 1: Professional services staff (including, but not limited to, administration, contact centre, IT, finance, HR, legal, specialist consultant, housing services, asset management staff)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 2: Manual services staff (including, but not limited to, plumbers, joiners, electricians, labourers, ancillary, catering staff)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 3: Executive and management level staff (including, but not limited to, senior management, directors, board members, technical roles)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 4: Neutral vendor (service providers that can manage a supply chain of agencies to deliver all roles required by a consortium member including those covered in lots 1-3)

  • Lot 5: Master vendor (service providers that can deliver all roles required by a consortium member including those covered in lots 1-3)
As always, there are no joining fees or ongoing costs payable to become a consortium member or to use the framework. Framework suppliers are required to make payment of 0.5% of invoiced turnover from call-off contracts. To the best of our knowledge this is the lowest fee charged to suppliers on an agency supply framework nationally, something we pride ourselves on.

For more information on the agency framework visit our agency page or contact our Consortium Lead, Lucy Jackson via 07983 532407 / ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
The Procurement Bill 2022: Now in the House of Commons
15th December 2022
The Procurement Bill 2022 has now passed through the House of Lords and was presented to the House of Commons on 14th December. The Bill's passage through the House of Lords took 7 months in total but was impacted by a busy parliamentary period that included 2 changes of Prime Minister and the death of HRH The Queen.

This Bill's Second Reading debate in the House of Commons will take place on Monday 9th January 2023. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill as it moves through the stages, so keep an eye on our news page for the latest information.

The Bill as brought from the House of Lords is available to view in full here.
Cirrus Consortium Waste Management Framework: Tender opportunity now live
1st November 2022

We are very excited to announce that the Cirrus Consortium is currently tendering for a brand-new waste management framework!

Following direct requests from several of our members we are expanding our framework portfolio to include a waste management offering. Working closely with Plus Dane Housing, this framework aims to provide waste management solutions that are suitable for housing associations and local councils across England, Scotland and Wales as well as contracting authorities from the wider public sector.

The Consortium is seeking bids from providers of waste management services across the following geographical lots:

  • Lot 1: North East (UKC)
  • Lot 2: North West (UKD)
  • Lot 3: Yorkshire & the Humber (UKE)
  • Lot 4: East Midlands (UKF)
  • Lot 5: West Midlands (UKG)
  • Lot 6: East of England (UKH)
  • Lot 7: London (UKI)
  • Lot 8: South East (UKJ)
  • Lot 9: South West (UKK)
  • Lot 10: Wales (UKL)
  • Lot 11: Scotland (UKM)
The Cirrus Consortium has been an effective and compliant route to market for contracting authorities nationwide over the last decade. The Consortium currently consists of Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, ALMOs and NHS Trusts.

Suppliers can express their interest in the opportunity and view the tender documents here.

The deadline for tender submissions is 12 noon, Friday 2nd December 2022.
Ranked 1st Focus: City Plumbing Supplies
21st November 2022

The Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework provides quick and flexible access to the full range of building materials required by consortium members in full compliance with the relevant public procurement legislation.

City Plumbing are ranked 1st on Lot 2: Plumbing and heating materials and are also available to trade through Lot 3: Electrical materials.

City Plumbing have offered the following insight:
City Plumbing - National plumbing, heating, electrical and renewable technologies supplier have launched its new ‘Integrated Solutions’ brand.

We have been a leading established supplier to the sector for a number of years, and our new Integrated Solutions brand has opened the doors to a wider solution-based proposition with a range of value-added services.
  • A team of experts providing repair and maintenance material supply chain solutions to the affordable housing sector with the ability to design customer specific solutions for all our partnerships

  • Focusing on product supply, distribution, frameworks, IT, and administrative solutions

  • Offering over 37,000 product lines through an excess of 357 branches (with another 50 planned over the next 5 years with 15 more in 2022) to fulfil contract requirements

  • Delivering consultancy with an expert internal digital development team offering the latest systems and technologies to best support our customers

  • Carefully curated systems and KPI portals monitor stock levels, sales, and purchases to support in improving first-time fix rates, jobs completed per day and most importantly resident satisfaction

  • A dedicated Energy Efficiency team offering design support and distribution for renewable heating products, including heat pumps, biomass boilers and underfloor heating. The expert team also boast extensive knowledge on the decarbonisation of new and existing properties, government grants and industry awareness supporting to deliver Carbon Net Zero 2050
For the full story visit City Plumbing's supplier landing page here.

For more information on this offering please visit Integrated Solutions or contact our National Business Development Manager, Claire Baron via claire.baron2@cityplumbing.co.uk

Ranked 1st Focus: Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery
8th November 2022
Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery are ranked 1st and available to trade via the Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Supply Framework.

Benchmarx have offered the following insight:
Benchmarx has over 150 branches across the country, we have over £12m worth of kitchen materials stocked meaning we can be reactive to client needs. We are part of the Travis Perkins group which gives us the network support of the largest builders merchant in the UK.

Managing programmes require flexibility from a supply partner; as well as speed and accuracy, we structured our teams and processes from the ground up to meet these demands.

Our contract sales managers, who have a wealth of experience within the affordable housing market, work alongside our contract sales admin team, surveyors and our branches to ensure our client programmes are set up for success from the start.



You can use your Trade account at Benchmarx and Travis Perkins and get all your supplies under one roof.

For more information please visit Benchmarx Contract Kitchen Solutions.
Cirrus Consortium Agency Labour & Recruitment Framework: Tender opportunity now live
23rd September 2022

Calling all recruitment agencies! We are thrilled to announce that the Cirrus Consortium is currently tendering for our new agency framework which will replace the existing arrangement due to expire in March 2023.

The Cirrus Consortium has been an effective and compliant route to market for contracting authorities nationwide over the last decade. The Consortium currently consists of Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, ALMOs and NHS Trusts. The new framework will be available for use by all Cirrus Consortium Members and contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.

What's new?
Following extensive pre-engagement with both our suppliers and members we have decided to simplify the lot structure of the current framework while retaining the broad scope of services, as well as adding a new neutral vendor lot.

We hope these additions will be useful to our current and prospective consortium members. The new framework covers the following lots:

  • Lot 1: Professional services staff (including, but not limited to, administration, contact centre, IT, finance, HR, legal, specialist consultant, housing services, asset management staff)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 2: Manual services staff (including, but not limited to, plumbers, joiners, electricians, labourers, ancillary, catering staff)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 3: Executive and management level staff (including, but not limited to, senior management, directors, board members, technical roles)
  • a) Provision of temporary workers
    b) Recruitment of permanent workers

  • Lot 4: Neutral vendor (service providers that can manage a supply chain of agencies to deliver all roles required by a consortium member including those covered in lots 1-3)

  • Lot 5: Master vendor (service providers that can deliver all roles required by a consortium member including those covered in lots 1-3)
Suppliers can express their interest in the opportunity and view the tender documents here.

The deadline for tender submissions is 12 noon, Monday 24th October 2022.
UK Housing Awards 2022 Finalists
5th September 2022


We are very happy to have been shortlisted for this year's UK Housing Awards for Professional services partner of the year!

The awards showcase the very best of housing in the UK and the organisations that are delivering high-quality homes and services in partnership with the communities they serve.

We have been recognised in this category for demonstrating how we have been effective in allowing housing associations to achieve their goals, and how we have contributed to more cost-effective and efficient processes for our clients.

We would like to congratulate all the other finalists and wish you all the best of luck.

UK Government Propose Tighter Rent Caps on Social Housing
31st August 2022
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) have launched a consultation today to explore the impact of temporarily capping annual rents for social housing at 3, 5 or 7% in the year from April 2023.

The proposed new cap would limit the permitted increase in rents for council and housing association properties, in an effort to support the most vulnerable households in the face of cost-of-living pressures and rising inflation.

The current maximum rent increase for social housing is set at Consumer Price Index (CPI)+1%, with inflation soaring this could mean a rise of around 11% would be permitted without the introduction of a lower cap.

The government have said a final decision on the cap will be taken later this year.

For more information on the consultation please view the government press release here.
Committee Stage: The Procurement Bill 2022
4th July 2022
The Procurement Bill 2022 has now reached the first committee stage and is therefore undergoing a line by line examination today in the House of Lords.

Committee stage usually takes up to eight days, but can go on for longer, with any member of the Lords able to take part. During this stage every clause has to be agreed to and votes on all amendments to the Bill take place.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill as it moves to the report stage for further scrutiny, so keep an eye on our news page for the latest information.

The bill is available to view in full here.
The Procurement Bill 2022
12th May 2022
It's landed! The Procurement Bill 2022 is here, after its first reading took place in the House of Lords yesterday. This first stage is a formality, signalling the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

The second reading is scheduled for 25th May and will be a general debate on all aspects of the Bill. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill as it makes its way through Parliament, so do keep an eye on our news page for the latest information.

The bill is available to view in full here.
New Case Study – Livv Housing Group
28th April 2022

We have an exciting new case study featuring a successful building materials contract with Livv Housing Group and Wolseley Managed Services under the Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework.

Cirrus Purchasing have worked with Livv as their outsourced procurement partner since 2011, providing strategic and day-to-day support for all of their procurement needs. In this role, Cirrus provided technical consultancy support for the reprocurement of the Livv building materials contract.

Of the 4 managed services specialist suppliers who submitted bids for the contract, Wolseley Managed Services were the successful bidder, with particular strengths in operational delivery and innovative solutions.

View the full case study here.


For more information on our frameworks contact our Consortium Lead, Lucy Jackson via 07983 532407 / ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
Cirrus Consortium Frameworks Unaffected by Procurement Policy Note 01/22
21st April 2022

The UK Government began introducing financial and investment sanctions earlier this year in the hope that they can encourage Russia to cease actions which destabilise Ukraine. The cabinet office also issued a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) shortly after, on 28th March, advising how contracting authorities should consider further cutting ties with companies backed by the states of Russia and Belarus.

Following this advice, Cirrus undertook a review of our framework suppliers and can confirm that our frameworks fully comply with the guidance set out in the PPN.

If you would like further information or advice on this PPN please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk

The full PPN is available to view here.
Inflation hits 30-year high
23rd March 2022
The Office for National Statistics has today reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 6.2% in February – a 30 year high. This latest increase is up from 5.5% in January and it isn’t likely to stop there. Last week the Bank of England predicted further rises next month to around 8%.

This is a particularly challenging time for everyone, but financial year end can also be a key time of year for clients with contracts that have annual price movement clauses. Clients are likely to see large increases to contract prices as inflation forces suppliers to pass on their increasing costs.

Organisations are encouraged to review contracts to understand the impact of the cost increases and check they are in line with price movement contractual terms. We would also advise to engage in conversation with suppliers, working in partnership to be able to plan for and mitigate further substantial increases, where possible.


New Procurement Thresholds & Calculation Change
11th November 2021

The Cabinet Office has announced the updated financial thresholds under the various UK Procurement Regulations. The new thresholds will apply to contracts advertised from 1st January 2022.

This is the first update to the financial thresholds since the end of the Brexit transition period. Along with a move in the monetary values there has been another crucial change; the estimated procurement values will be calculated inclusive of VAT rather than the current method of calculating exclusive of VAT.
Although all of the PCR 2015 thresholds have increased (with the exception of the Light Touch Regime), the addition of VAT results in a reduction of the threshold levels in real terms and is likely to mean additional contracts will require compliance with procurement regulations from January.

The updated values for the PCR 2015 are (including VAT):
  • Works contracts: £5,336,937
  • Supplies and services contracts (central government): £138,760
  • Supplies and services contracts (sub-central authorities): £213,477
  • Light Touch Regime: £663,540
Contracting authorities will need to:
  • Ensure the new values and calculation method are circulated to staff
  • Review expenditure for any contracts that will now fall under the new thresholds
  • Update company policy documentation
If you would like further information or advice on the Public Procurement (Agreement on Government Procurement) (Thresholds) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
Framework live: Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Supply Framework
3rd November 2021
We are excited to announce that the Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Supply Framework 2 is now live and available for use by contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.

The framework offers members quick, flexible and compliant access to 10 leading kitchen manufacturers and suppliers.

What's new?

We’ve listened to our members and have created an even more user-friendly framework that builds on the success of our last kitchens framework. This time, after supplier pre-engagement we’ve also incorporated installation services, the option of set framework rates, the ability to purchase modular kitchens and a choice of either an off the shelf social value package or a tailored solution. We hope these additions will be useful to our current and prospective consortium members.

Materials and services available:

  • Readymade (pre-assembled) kitchen units
  • Flat pack kitchen units
  • Adapted kitchen items
  • Modular kitchens
  • Kitchen unit doors
  • Worktops
  • Kitchen components and accessories
  • Kitchen wall and floor tiles and associated products
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Kitchen design service
  • Kitchen supply and installation services

There are no joining fees or ongoing costs payable to become a consortium member or to use the framework. Framework suppliers are required to make payment of 0.5% of invoiced turnover from call-off contracts. To the best of our knowledge this is the lowest fee charged to suppliers on a kitchen supply framework nationally, something we pride ourselves on.

For more information on the kitchens supply framework contact our Consortium Lead, Lucy Jackson via 07983 532407 / ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
Big enough to deliver, small enough to care
19th July 2021

When selecting a framework provider contracting authorities may consider a number of factors including value for money, compliance, flexibility, supplier choice, social value, how well the framework meets client needs, and the support provided by the framework provider team.

Cirrus frameworks have always been designed with these factors in mind, and as a result have been market-leading in many of these areas since their inception in 2009. Our large-scale national frameworks have the lowest framework fees in the sector, 100% compliance, maximum flexibility by design, a wide range of top quality suppliers, bespoke social value delivery and a suite of ongoing contract support services tailored to suit the unique requirements of each consortium member, because we believe one size does not fit all.

Our contract support services, such as benchmarking, cost control and invoice validation, tender management, range analysis and contract management, are delivered by our tightly focused, highly efficient procurement consultancy team.
We are an SME business by design to ensure a personal touch for our clients, we consider this a strength as it allows us to be nimble, innovative and customer focussed. Our technical skills and approach to process efficiency enables us to deliver more and justify our nationally recognised reputation.

We don't take on work we can't deliver to a very high standard, so if you want something – just ask!

When you pick up the phone you will get a friendly, familiar and knowledgeable team member who cares enough to find the perfect solutions tailored to your organisation. That's why our client feedback since 2005 has given us 100% client satisfaction rating for the quality of our work, and 100% have said they would use us again or recommend us to others:

“I would be very happy to recommend Cirrus to any parties that were interested”

“Our company, in its various forms, have used Cirrus on and off for the past decade. It is comforting to know Cirrus are always there in the background, able to assist us when we need them.”

“We were able to discuss what we needed and the service was then tailored to this.”

“Very professional services with unique approach”

“We used Cirrus, because we have engaged them before - They deliver what we want. The team fully engaged with us, gave us advice when needed and played 'devil’s advocate' on certain scenarios. Easy to work with.”


For more information on what we can offer as a team contact Claire Paton, Director of Consultancy, on 07828 143935 / cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or Lucy Jackson, Operations & Consortium Lead, on 07983 532407 / ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk
Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Supply Framework: Tender now live
13th August 2021


We are excited to announce that the Cirrus Consortium is currently tendering for our new kitchens supply framework which will replace the current arrangement due to expire in October 2021.

The Cirrus Consortium has been an effective and compliant route to market for contracting authorities nationwide over the last decade. The Consortium currently consists of Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, ALMOs and NHS Trusts.

The new framework will be available for use by all Cirrus Consortium Members and contracting authorities across England, Wales and Scotland.
While the arrangement will be predominantly for the supply of kitchen materials, installation and other associated services will also be available.

The new framework will cover the full range of kitchen and related materials required by consortium members including, but not limited to the following:
  • Readymade (pre-assembled) kitchen units and accessories
  • Flat pack kitchen units and accessories
  • Kitchen unit doors and accessories
  • Worktops and accessories
  • Kitchen wall and floor tiles and associated products
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Adapted kitchen items and accessories
Suppliers can express their interest in the opportunity and view the tender documents here.

The deadline for tender submissions is 12 noon, Tuesday 14th September 2021.
New Consortium Coordinator
10th June 2021
Say hello to our new Consortium Coordinator, Lucy Jackson!

Since joining the Cirrus team in 2018 as Operations Coordinator, Lucy has worked closely with our framework suppliers and leads on marketing for the Cirrus Consortium frameworks. Lucy’s role has now expanded to looking after the Cirrus Consortium, including member liaison.

Lucy will be calling all current Consortium members to introduce herself so expect a call soon.

She is a very friendly face to go to so if you have any framework related queries do get in touch! You can reach Lucy on 07983 532407 or ljackson@cirruspurchasing.co.uk

The National Procurement Policy Statement
4th June 2021
The Cabinet Office has released a new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) setting out strategic priorities for public procurement and how contracting authorities can support their delivery.
The statement applies to public procurement from the date of publication and will remain in place until it is withdrawn, amended or replaced.

If you would like further advice on the NPPS please contact Claire Paton on 07828 143935 or cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk

The full statement is available here.
11 Years Carbon Negative
1st June 2021

Cirrus are very happy to have remained a completely carbon negative company for the 11th consecutive year. Despite our carbon being next to nothing in the last year due the COVID-19 pandemic, we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the environment by offsetting the same amount of carbon that we would do in a usual business year.

This year we have supported The Mersey Forest Foundation and a hydro power project in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Mersey Forest helps support the work of the Mersey Forest Partnership who, over the last 25 years, have planted over 9 million trees across Merseyside and North Cheshire. Trees are planted on a range of sites including hospitals, schools, along roadsides, in city centres, and on public and private land.
The partnership also runs various local green initiatives including the Forest Education Programme. We are very proud to be able to support such a fantastic local scheme, benefiting our employees' local environments. This year’s donation takes our total trees planted, over the last 11 years, to 195.

The second initiative we have chosen is through the United Nations carbon offset platform. Their certified projects reduce, avoid or remove harmful emissions from the atmosphere.

The hydro power project produces renewable energy to supply electricity to the local grid in Himachal Pradesh, India. There are also many additional benefits to this scheme, including generating employment for locals, contributing to basic amenities to the community and investing in local infrastructure.

Our Mersey Forest 20/21 certificate can be found here. Visit Mersey Forest to read more about their initiative.

View our UN carbon offsetting certificate here and visit the UN carbon offsetting platform for more information.

We're up for Consultancy of the Year!
7th April 2021

We have some brilliant news to share - we've been shortlisted for Consultancy of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards 2021!

The Northern Housing Awards celebrate and promote all the great things that the housing sector in the North and their supply chain are doing.

We have been recognised in this category for exceeding client expectations, adding strategic value to our projects and demonstrating cost efficiencies for our clients.

The awards will bring the housing sector together virtually on Thursday 13th May. We can't wait to see who wins and would like to congratulate all the other finalists on being shortlisted.

New Case Study: Tender Management for Craven District Council
25th March 2021
We have a brand new case study featuring an exciting project we worked on with Craven District Council. Cirrus managed a two stage tender process to appoint a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a masterplan for the future development of the Skipton Station Triangle area.

The contract was successfully awarded through the height of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, with all meetings and evaluations being conducted via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. View the case study in full here.

Environmental Focus No.2: Jewson
11th January 2021

As part of the Cirrus commitment to raise environmental awareness, our suppliers have volunteered to share with us what they are doing to help the environment.

Thank you to Jewson Partnership Solutions for the latest Environmental Focus article, discussing their environmental product offerings and the Saint Gobain Group journey towards carbon neutrality.

Read the full article here.
Goodbye OJEU/TED, hello Find a Tender (FTS)
4th January 2021

The end of the Brexit transition period at 23:00 on 31st December 2020 marked the end of an era for UK public procurement.

From this date forward, new public procurements subject to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 will no longer be advertised in OJEU/TED, but instead should be published through the new UK Find a Tender system (FTS).

Tenders already in progress that commenced through OJEU/TED notices prior to 31st December 2020 should continue on the European platform. For these tenders, statutory notices after this date should still be published through OJEU/TED. All new procurements are required to go through the new system.

Contracting authorities that use an eSender system (e.g. an electronic tender system that forwards statutory notices to OJEU) should check with their provider that they now integrate with FTS and new notices will go to the right platform. Buyers who manually post notices to OJEU/TED can register to manually upload notices to FTS.

FTS is available at www.find-tender.service.gov.uk

Other systems such as Contracts Finder and devolved administrations systems continue to function as normal and obligations to use these systems remain unchanged.

For full information on the new FTS system read the Cabinet Office policy note PPN 08/20 on the gov.uk website:

PPN 08/20: Introduction to Find a Tender

During this time of change there is a risk that some suppliers may not be aware of the new FTS system and miss new tender opportunities. Buyers are advised to take extra measures to ensure that suppliers know about new tenders to keep competition effective and achieve the best results.
Happy New Year from Cirrus
1st January 2021
Claire and the team would like to say Happy New Year to all of our clients, partners and stakeholders.

Despite unusual circumstances last year, we forged some great new relationships and further developed partnerships with our existing clients. We are excited to build upon these in the coming year.

We hope 2021 will bring you health, happiness and success; thank you for your continued support.


Environmental Focus No.1: Travis Perkins
3rd November 2020
During our 10th anniversary of being a carbon negative company, Cirrus have decided to raise environmental awareness and discuss what we all can do to tackle the issues facing the planet.

As part of this, our suppliers have volunteered to share with us what they are doing to help the environment. This is the first of a new series of articles called Environmental Focus.

Thank you to Travis Perkins for providing this interesting piece about their environmental efforts: Read the full article here.
New Look Cirrus Materials Benchmark Reports
23rd October 2020

We have had an exciting reboot and decided to reshape our benchmark reports. The reports have a fresh look, format and content and we are very much looking forward to rolling them out to our clients!
The first clients to benefit from these reports have said:

“I’ve used consultants many times over the years and it’s definitely one of the best reports I’ve seen” – Housing Association, North West

“It was a really good report, really interesting. The way it was presented was really smart” – Housing Association, South West

“[The report is] a good overview of where we’re currently at and something we wouldn’t have had time to do ourselves” – Housing Association, South West

“Really great [report], well done. I can’t imagine many people wouldn’t like this” – Housing Association, North West

Our report will help you:
Understand your current value for money
Identify what is driving that performance
Know what to do next

For more information on our benchmarking services and how they can benefit your organisation please contact us.
Magnet Contract Kitchen Solutions Merges with Rixonway
23rd September 2020
Last month Rixonway Kitchens merged with Magnet Contract Kitchen Solutions (CKS) and are now operating under the one brand as Magnet CKS.

Both Magnet CKS and Rixonway were previously available under the Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Materials Supply Framework and will continue to be available under their new consolidated brand.

Magnet CKS is ranked 1st and is available to trade through the Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Materials Supply Framework.

Magnet CKS’ new product range will be available across all price groups from budget to premium. The entry-level ranges, Trieste and Ascoli, will be known as the Rixonway collection and will complement the existing Magnet collection.

Click here for the latest Magnet CKS product brochure.

For more information on the Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Materials Supply Framework please contact Claire Paton on cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or 07828 143935.
Cirrus Consortium Framework Fees
10th September 2020

There are communications circulating in the market at present that paint all framework providers with the same brush, particularly regarding transparency and fee structures. While it is true not all frameworks have the same levels of transparency, equally not all framework providers are the same.
In the case of Cirrus Purchasing, our frameworks are free to use for consortium members, with no upfront or ongoing costs associated with membership of the Cirrus Consortium.

We do however charge our framework suppliers 0.5% of invoiced turnover from call-off contracts issued via our frameworks which cover our framework management costs. We have always been open and honest about this fee which has always been publicly available, and is stated across all of our framework literature and website.

While our framework fees are not charged to consortium members directly, all or part of this cost may be recouped from members through the costs of materials and/or services purchased. To minimise this potential cost impact for our consortium members Cirrus has always kept our fees low, and to the best of our knowledge, our materials supply framework fee is the lowest fee charged by a framework provider in the UK, and has been since our first framework agreement in 2009.

For more information about Cirrus Consortium frameworks please contact Claire Paton on cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or 07828 143935.
Rexel: New Van Stock and Smartstores Brochure
24th August 2020
Rexel are available to trade through Lot 3 (Electrical materials) of the Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework and have asked us to showcase their new Van Stock and Smartstores brochure.

Rexel’s Smart Stock Solutions are cloud-based inventory and asset management systems powered by market leading technology.
Click here to view the full brochure.

These solutions are currently being rolled out nationally to a number of public sector clients, if you are interested in utilising this service through the Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework please contact Claire Paton on cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or 07828 143935.

Rexel are more than happy to arrange face to face demos and webinars of this service, if you are interested please let us know.
Carbon Negative Decade – The Mersey Forest Foundation
17th August 2020
As we continue to celebrate our tenth year of remaining a completely carbon negative company, we have chosen an incredible local initiative to support. The Mersey Forest Foundation is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Mersey Forest helps support the work of the Mersey Forest Partnership, who over the last 25 years, have planted over 9 million trees across Merseyside and North Cheshire. Trees are planted on a range of sites including hospitals, schools, along roadsides, in city centres, and on public and private land.

The trees provide a wide range of benefits to both the environment and to local people including:

• Better air quality
• Increased biodiversity
• Health and well-being benefits
• Flood risk mitigation
• Better, greener neighbourhoods

Alongside tree planting the Mersey Forest partnership also coordinate and deliver a wide range of projects which benefit local communities, including the Natural Health Service and Forest Education Programme.

In the Knowsley area alone they have worked with residents, local businesses, housing associations, local authorities and funding bodies to plant over 300 trees. This has helped to brighten residential areas, making them more wildlife friendly and resilient to climate change and has boosted health and well being in the area.

Cirrus is proud to have donated towards such an important and impactful scheme. To view our recognition certificate please click here. For more information on The Mersey Forest visit their website here.
Successful first year for the Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework 5
10th August 2020
We are celebrating 1 year of the latest Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework! We’d like to say a big thank you to all of our valued suppliers and clients for a great year of trading though this framework. We hope to continue building on the successes and partnerships created this year, throughout the duration of the framework.

Both our clients and suppliers have dealt with unprecedented circumstances this year through the COVID-19 pandemic and have adapted very well, we hope business returns to usual for you all as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

For more information on the Cirrus Consortium frameworks please click here.

Our Carbon Negative Decade: Public Transport
15th July 2020

As you may know, we are celebrating our 10th consecutive year as a carbon negative company. As well as supporting our carbon offsetting programs, we actively promote initiatives to reduce carbon emissions within our business practices.
This includes remote working, going paper-free where possible and targeting a large portion of our business travel to be by public transport.

Collectively as a small team, we have been on 2,251 public transport business trips to clients since the company began. A recent study found that a bus with just 7 passengers is more fuel efficient than the average single vehicle used for commuting. Using public transport not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road and therefore emissions produced but it also helps to reduce smog and improves air quality for local residents.

With that in mind, using public transport as much as possible will remain a core value to us as a business. However, in light of the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 we have made a decision to refrain from using public transport in the short term until it is safe to do so; for both our staff and our clients.

We are continuing to take our meetings online until further notice and hope all of our clients and stakeholders stay safe and keep in good health at this time.
Check Out Our New Case Studies!
6th July 2020
Take a look at our new case studies here featuring three of the successful partnerships that have been established through our frameworks and outsourced consultancy offering.

We will be adding more case studies to our website in the coming months so keep your eyes peeled!
Celebrating Our Carbon Negative Decade
11th June 2020

Cirrus are proud to announce that we have remained a completely carbon negative company for the 10th consecutive year.
Over the last ten years we have planted over 150 trees in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya through a verified carbon reduction programme. As we celebrate our tenth year of remaining carbon negative, we have chosen a completely new initiative to support and also plan to support local green projects throughout the rest of the year (stay tuned!).

This year we are supporting a hydro power project in Himachal Pradesh, India. We have offset our environmental impact well beyond our calculated emissions through the United Nations carbon offset platform. Their certified projects reduce, avoid or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.

This particular project produces renewable energy by using hydro power to supply electricity to the local grid. The project also generates employment for locals, contributes to basic amenities to the community and invests in local infrastructure in an area that is close to one of our employee’s hearts.

To view our 19/20 certificate click here. To read more about the UN carbon offsetting platform click here.
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