Guidance

Crown Commercial Service update: November 2018

Published 8 November 2018

© Crown copyright 2018

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crown-commercial-service-update-november-2018/crown-commercial-service-update-november-2018

1. Highlights from our first digitech18 event

We’re pleased to announce that our first digitech18 event which took place last week in the First Direct Arena, Leeds, was a huge success for Crown Commercial Service and event partner, Public Sector Connect.

There were 60 exhibitors in attendance on the day, of which 34% were SMEs, showcasing to over 500 delegates from across a variety of different sectors. We also had an exceptional selection of guest speakers for this years event who talked about a range of topics from the SME agenda to AI and robotics.

If you would like to read more about this year’s digitech18 event and download the slide decks from our guest speakers visit our blog

2. How we helped University of Edinburgh save £108,000 on demand side response

The University of Edinburgh is embracing the distinctly modern world of demand side response to enable them to make savings and generate income that can be reinvested in core priorities.

Demand side response aims to support the National Grid in delivering a consistent and reliable supply of electricity to the whole of the United Kingdom. Participants switch to their on site generation at times where demand on the National Grid is high, and get rewarded in savings and/or revenue for doing so. This aims to use electricity more effectively rather than finding ways to generate more.

The university joined our demand side response framework back in 2015 to award their contract to Flexitricity Ltd, and have saved £108,000 in total by participating in triad management services. They have also since gained over £150,000 in additional savings and revenue from accessing further demand response services.

Read the blog to find out more

3. Utilities & fuels customer event

Would you like to hear more about the future of utilities & fuels at CCS? Would you like the opportunity to contribute to our strategy?

Then come along to our dedicated customer event on 12 December and have your say!

The event will provide an overview of our utilities & fuels strategy. It will detail our latest developments, while also providing an opportunity for you to voice your requirements.

The event will include:

  • New initiatives - our new products and services currently in the pipeline
  • Action review - what have we done in response to our last strategy event?
  • Quarterly update - news and progress in the last three months
  • What the future holds - our long term vision for the future of utilities & fuels across the public sector

Please note: This event is for public and third sector organisations only.

Register today to make sure you don’t miss out.

4. Our latest aggregation opportunity for water

Following the success of CCS’ first aggregated further competition for water and wastewater servicing, a second aggregation was carried out in October, consolidating the requirements of 155 organisations across the public sector. On average, customers signing a call-off under the framework will pay 2% for their water servicing by switching to the recommended supplier; Castle Water Ltd. Typically this will result in a saving of 4-10% on customer retail charges.

Interested in taking part in the next aggregation and accessing great benefits? You have until 28 February 2019 to sign up - fill in our online form to register your interest and quote ‘Water aggregation’.

5. New technology aggregation to go live for IT hardware

Do you need to buy any IT hardware such as laptops; desktops, monitors, peripherals, mobile handsets, or tablets? We’re running a national further competition to help public and third sector organisation with the purchase of IT equipment to help save your business time and money. During a recent competition for the education sector, CCS secured average savings of 16% across a range of hardware products. To get involved or find out more please join one of our webinars:

  • Thursday 29 November 1pm
  • Wednesday 5 December 10am
  • Wednesday 5 December 2pm
  • Friday 7 December 11am

Book your place

If you are unable to attend one of our webinars but would like more information, simply complete this form by 7 December, quoting ‘NFC101’ in the comments box, and a member of our team will be in touch.

Want to learn more about how our free to use aggregation service works? Watch our short film

6. Travel webinar hosted by Trainline

Why not join our latest webinar on 13 November hosted by Trainline? It will give you insight into the online booking solution which aims to help public sector organisations cut costs, reduce admin and dramatically improve traveller experience.

For those responsible for travel within your organisation, this free webinar is one not to be missed.

Register today

7. Management Consultancy framework webinars

Want to find out more about how CSS can help with management consultancy for your organisation?

To get started, join one of our upcoming webinars where we will be giving you an introduction to the CCS management consultancy framework:

If you’re unable to join one of these webinars but would like to find out more – simply complete this form by ‘MCF2’ in the comments box and a member of our aggregation team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.

8. Up and coming dates for buildings webinars

From energy to construction, we can help you build a better future through our building frameworks. This months webinar on Estates Professional Services and Project Management and Full Design Team Services framework agreements will cover:

  • An overview of Estates Professional Services and Project Management and Full Design Team Services framework agreements
  • Which services can you buy under which agreement?
  • Lot structure / attributes
  • How to buy
  • Key terms & conditions
  • Q&As

Register now

9. More technology webinar dates

We all know that the technology landscape is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Whether you are an experienced tech buyer or new to this area, our upcoming webinars are a great way to hear from our commercial specialists and ensure that you are getting the best solution for your organisation.

  • G Cloud - Find out how to search for and buy cloud computing services like infrastructure, platform, software and specialist cloud services.

14 November 10:30am

  • Crown Hosting Service - Want to save up to 60% on access to co-located, physical data centre space? Learn all about the benefits of using Crown Hosting Services – an ambitious and highly successful public-private joint venture.

26 November 11am

  • Technology Products - Join our customer overview of the different ways you can use our agreement for all your IT hardware and commodity software needs, including access to our extensive online catalogue, the Purchasing Platform.

28 November 12 noon

10. Public Sector Solutions Expo

Over 100 speakers have now been confirmed for the Public Sector Solutions Expo Manchester, the UK’s biggest and must attend regional event for public sector professionals, which will be taking place at Manchester Central on the 20 November.

Over 1,500 attendees will gather to network with peers, meet leading suppliers, discuss challenges and best practice all whilst discovering the new and innovative solutions capable of delivering smarter, better and more efficient public services.

Confirmed speakers at the 2018 event include:

  • Vicky Howarth, Head of Commercial Agreements, Crown Commercial Service
  • Sarah Jewell, Account Director for Local Government and Education, Crown Commercial Service
  • Chris Short, Crown Hosting Framework Authority, Crown Commercial Service
  • Amanda Neylon, Digital Services Delivery Director, NHS Digital
  • Kevin Cunnington, Director General, Government Digital Service
  • Mahbubul Islam, Head of Secure Design, Department for Work & Pensions
  • Sue Griffin, Head of User Support Services, Department for Work & Pensions
  • Tony Sceales, Sector Coordination Lead, 5G Programme,
  • Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
  • Richard Carne, Chief Digital Officer, Met Office
  • Mike Hulett, Head of Operations, National Cyber Crime Unit

We can now also confirm that the sponsors for the event will include the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Transport for the North, the CIPD and TechUK.

Register now for your free place at the Public Sector Solutions Expo, your one-stop shop for public sector procurement.

11. New frameworks

  • G-Cloud 10 (RM1557.10) is now open to customers.

  • Management Consultancy Framework Two (RM6008) is now live. Business, procurement, supply chain and commercial, complex and transformation and strategic consultancy options are all now available following the launch of the Management Consultancy Framework Two (RM6008) on 4 September, completing the CCS suite of management and business consultancy frameworks. Download a brochure for further details of the scope of services available across the frameworks.

12. Framework extensions

13. Framework update

The new Media Buying framework (RM6003) started on 7 November. Customers will need to put in place a call-off contract with the new agency OMD Group.

We are encouraging all customers to put this new call-off contract in place as soon as possible to enable you to purchase media for your campaigns beyond 6 November. Even if you do not currently have an agreed media plan in place, we recommend you still set up a call-off contract in readiness for future campaigns.

There are a number of ways of entering into a call-off contract and these are detailed in the guidance on the web page. If you have any question on this, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@crowncommercial.gov.uk quoting ‘RM6003’.

14.1 Mystery Shopper results

You can view the latest Mystery Shopper results to see how the scheme is helping to improve procurement practices across the public sector and support our ambition to make doing business with government as easy as possible for small businesses.

14.2 Procurement policy

If you are looking for public procurement policy guidance please take a look at our public procurement policy page

Looking for a particular procurement policy note? View the collection of all procurement policy notes.

14.3 Procurement tools

15. Sign up for email alerts

You can sign up for immediate, daily or weekly email alerts which will tell you what we have added or updated on the GOV.UK website. It is a great way to stay up to date with the latest news and information from CCS.

Sign up for email alerts by providing your email address and selecting the frequency you wish to receive updates.

If you need further information about anything in this update please do not hesitate to contact us by email info@crowncommercial.gov.uk or call our customer service team on 0345 410 2222

You can also follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Back to top