Customers can save money and boost sustainability with our Office and Outdoor Furniture framework
The new iteration of the NHS Supply Chain Office and Outdoor Furniture has launched, offering customers the chance to buy economically and sustainably.
The agreement, led by Category Procurement Specialist James Firth, covers office, outdoor and children’s play furniture as well as a number of sustainability products and services.
Here, James takes us through the history of the agreement, the green credentials of the new iteration and how our team can help you.
“The Office and Outdoor Furniture framework started in 2021 and has provided customers the ability to buy a wide range of furniture, from chairs to racking to office pods. We have helped our customers to get quotes and to rationalise their furniture purchases. We have had some major successes, including an order of £1.3m from Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, alongside projects aimed at reusing furniture to reduce landfill waste.
“The framework was due to end in November 2025 and we needed to re-tender for a new framework. Pre-market engagement started at the end of 2024, and I engaged both incumbent and potential suppliers on what was working with the framework and if there were any improvements we could make. We found that there was a big appetite to increase our sustainability offering and so we looked at ways to increase engagement with our sustainability suppliers.
“This led to a big increase in the number of suppliers on Lot 6, our Sustainability lot, with suppliers offering a ‘one stop shop’, providing new and second life furniture as well as refurbishing and recycling services. This offers our customers a huge opportunity to not only buy quality products but to have products easily repaired to enhance their lifespan.
“Our suppliers can offer advice on products and help design spaces based on a diverse range of requirements. They can also assess customers’ current furniture portfolios and make recommendations on how to reuse these items to save money and reduce waste.
“We have kept the simple and straightforward ordering process and customers are able to contact the Facilities and Office Solutions helpdesk for help getting a quote. They can also order directly from suppliers. We believe that this will enable our customers to order quickly and easily and to access both the core range products and order bespoke furniture to meet their needs. We have a dedicated team that can provide assistance with obtaining quotes, meeting suppliers and even obtaining samples if needed.”