Local authorities transition to NEPO’s Open procurement platform, modernising service delivery across the North East

Newcastle, UK, 3rd December 2024 – Version 1, a global leader in digital transformation and NEPO, a UK public sector partner delivering strategic procurement programmes, today announced the successful transition of 12 local authorities to its Open procurement platform. Open provides cloud-based technology to empower public sector buyers and suppliers with smarter, more efficient ways of working. 

NEPO’s Open procurement platform is supported by Version 1 through Cloud, Managed Services and Application Development and it has driven a step-change in redefining procurement processes and increasing transparency across procurement for the North East region. The platform can handle exceptionally large volumes of procurement initiatives and users, significantly enhancing and improving accessibility for local suppliers. NEPO has championed innovation through the use of technology and inspired complete transformation in public sector procurement, having worked with Version 1 to continually improve the platform since a successful pilot with Sunderland City Council in June this year.  

“Transitioning all our local authorities to Open has been a major positive step for the way public sector procurement is delivered in our region,” said Adam Smith, Head of Digital and eProcurement, NEPO. “The benefits available via the new platform are vast, making the North East a more competitive and inclusive procurement environment for our procurers and suppliers. The support we have received from Version 1 has been exceptional, ensuring an entirely smooth and successful transition, and we have very much enjoyed working with the team.”

“Today’s milestone of seeing all local authorities transition to Open has been particularly rewarding,” said Conor McColgan, CRO at Version 1. “The highly talented teams at NEPO had the vision and dedication to deliver complete transformation for all users and we were only too pleased to support them throughout. This is an excellent example of innovation in cloud-based solutions and the human-centred benefits that this can have.”

About NEPO

Established in 1976 in collaboration with North East local authorities, NEPO works with UK public sector partners to deliver a program of strategic procurement and related initiatives, that promote positive outcomes for a diverse range of stakeholders.     

NEPO also works closely with public sector suppliers to boost competitive skills, signpost tendering opportunities, embed social value and improve procurement processes.   

Find out more at www.nepo.org  

About Open 

Developed by NEPO in partnership with twelve North East local authorities and the wider public sector, Open is the result of extensive collaboration aimed at revolutionising public sector procurement. Launched in 2022, this ambitious project reflects a shared vision to leverage technology for smarter, more efficient ways of working. Open focuses on data-driven insights and user-centric design, providing a modern, cloud-based system tailored to the needs of both buyers and suppliers. Gradually replacing the NEPO Portal, which has supported procurement across the region for over 20 years, Open is designed to empower public sector buyers and suppliers, helping them achieve their goals with greater ease and effectiveness. 

Find out more at https://www.open-uk.org/

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