New lab equipment suppliers appointed

Wednesday, 03 February 2016

Members of Schools who buy lab equipment attended an exhibition in the Hopkins building last month to meet representatives from the University’s newly-appointed suppliers, as well as existing suppliers who we are continuing to work with. It was a chance to discuss individual research and teaching needs and make contacts for immediate and future purchases.

Before the suppliers were appointed, the Procurement team worked with a core group of people from across the University who regularly buy these types of goods. It was a good way for them to gather customer requirements and insight into the market and potential suppliers.

Across departments and Schools members of staff buy a range of different equipment and have a variety of needs, so the Procurement team has put in place an Inter-Regional Laboratory Agreement (IRLA), which allows the University to benefit from using a range of specialist suppliers that meet the requirements instead of a single supplier. This gives a number of laboratory frameworks across all areas, such as equipment, chemicals and consumables. The category management approach to procurement, whereby we were able to get quotes for purchasing lab equipment across the University instead of in single Schools or departments, enabled the team to put in place arrangements that meet individual needs and benefit the University as a whole.

At the event, many of the suppliers came along with examples of the products they can provide and were pleased to talk to staff about their requirements.

“[The laboratory exhibition] was a huge success from Arco’s point of view and we met with a lot of key people within the day. There was a lot of buzz from the people we spoke to in regards to working with a safety supplier.” Richard Meehan, Arco. 

The appointed suppliers: