We spend £3.2m every day on goods, works and services – and our reputation is inextricably linked to the quality of what we procure. So making our supply chain a reflection of our company is one of our key aims. Our approach is to build strong, open and positive relationships with suppliers and providers which share our values, and to make them an integral part of our business.

We are committed to building strong relationships with our key suppliers. We have strategic working relationships with our top tier suppliers, with whom we spend 80% of our turnover. We reward those that work with us to achieve our mutual goals through early engagement, collaboration and access to key business initiatives.

Our top tier sub-contractors can expect, where appropriate, their own relationship manager who is there to answer queries and resolve any issues. We invite all our top tier sub-contractors to an annual supply chain conference.

We procure goods and services in line with our sustainable procurement policy. This means that we evaluate and procure work according to the following criteria:

  • Can they continue to develop and improve?
  • Do they have a full and relevant environmental policy?
  • Do they have or are they meaningfully working towards a full accredited environmental management system e.g. EMAS, ISO 14001 or BS8555 with targets, objectives and an improvement programme?
  • Are they receptive to the promotion and management of apprenticeship opportunities and/or training and development of site operatives?