#TeamTalks: Jack Whittaker on how everyday essentials keep the NHS moving
Welcome to the update in our #TeamTalk series, where we put a spotlight on the teams that make up NOE CPC.
This month we’re focusing on our Office Products team in NHS Supply Chain: Facilities and Office Solutions Team, who cover a range of products including office and outdoor furniture and office supplies.
Jack Whittaker, Senior Category Manager, outlines his role and takes us through what lies ahead.
The Office Products category plays a vital role in keeping the NHS running smoothly. From everyday essentials like paper, stationery, and labels to more specialised items such as OEM and remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, technology consumables, and furniture, these products support the operational backbone of healthcare delivery. Our frameworks are designed to offer rationalised ranges—one product that meets the customer's needs at the right price—minimising duplication and maximising value. With over £30 million in transacted spend, including £18 million from core list products, this category is not only essential but also highly impactful. As we continue to expand into areas like Nationally Contracted Products, we’re committed to engaging with customers to ensure these offerings reflect real-world needs and deliver tangible benefits to NHS trusts.
As we head into November, I’m excited to share some of the latest developments from the Office Solutions team. We’ve been working hard to bring forward new opportunities that support our customers’ evolving needs, and I’m pleased to announce the launch of our new Office and Outdoor Furniture Framework this month. This marks a significant step in expanding our offering to include more versatile and sustainable furniture options.
Looking ahead, our Batteries, Lighting and Tools Framework is set to launch in February 2026, and for the first time, it will include EV chargers—a reflection of our commitment to supporting greener infrastructure across the NHS. Sustainability continues to be a key focus for us, and I’m proud to highlight the recycling and refurbishment lot within Furniture, as well as the unbleached recycled copier paper, which has quickly become one of the fastest-moving lines on Supply Chain.
We’re also preparing for pre-market engagement on Office Supplies, beginning in December, with a customer survey due out soon. Your feedback will be vital in shaping the future of this category, so please do keep an eye out and take part.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we’re currently working closely with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) on furniture, print and office supplies. This joint effort aims to reduce duplication and offer better, more streamlined options for our customers—an exciting venture that we believe will deliver real value.
In addition, my team is exploring new areas around Nationally Contracted Products, including print, technology consumables, and specialist labels. We’re building on the principles of the core range—one product that meets the customer’s needs at the right price—and we’ll need your input to make this a success. If you’re interested in shaping this work, please do get in touch. Your engagement will help us ensure these products truly reflect what matters most to you.