STAMFORD / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 23, 2021 /

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor has gained top marks for the world-class way it sources and buys goods and services.

UK Power Networks demonstrated exceptional procurement delivery, to confirm its position within an elite worldwide group who have gained the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Corporate Certification advanced ‘Platinum’ award. It is one of only four organisations worldwide who have ever been awarded full marks across all areas of the assessment.

As the distributor of electricity to 8.2 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, UK Power Networks is a key enabler of the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy. It continues to deliver greater value and continuously improve its supply chain while keeping costs low for customers. Specialist teams buy in a wide range of goods including electrical cables, substation kit and fleet vehicles, along with specialist services ranging from roadworks contracts to telephony and IT support.

Alan Martin, head of procurement excellence at CIPS said: “An excellent submission – joining one of a select group that scored ‘platinum’ for every element of the CIPS Advanced Standard. UK Power Networks used the CIPS process as an external benchmarking exercise for their organisation and thus got great value from it, enabling them to continuously improve in providing a world class service.”

Nirmal Kotecha, director of capital programme and procurement at UK Power Networks, said: “We put a lot of consideration into the way we buy our goods and services, constantly honing our supply chain to make improvements and ensure it is leaner and greener to the benefit of our customers.

“Achieving this Platinum award from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply is welcome recognition we are doing things the right way – and well deserved recognition for the huge contribution our team has made during the many challenges of the pandemic, to add value to our supply chain activities.”

Ends

For further information please contact UK Power Networks press office on 0330 159 1712.

Trudy Salandiak, CIPS Public Relations Manager; T +44 (0)1780 761576; M +44(0)7554400731

Notes to editors:

UK Power Networks is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, making sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England.

Network operators aren’t the same as energy suppliers; network operators manage local power lines and substations, while energy suppliers sell the electricity that runs through the power lines.

UK Power Networks continues to be listed in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and made industry history by becoming first company to win Utility of the Year two years running (2015 and 2016 also 2012).

The company invests more than £600 million in its electricity networks every year, offers extra help to vulnerable customers at times of need, and is undertaking trials to ensure that electricity networks support the transition to a low carbon future. It also moves cables and connects new electricity supplies. If you have a power cut ring 105, see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or tweet us @UKPowerNetworks

More information about CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme

About the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply:

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the leading international body representing purchasing and supply management professionals and has over 70,000 members in 150 countries. It is the worldwide centre of excellence on purchasing and supply management issues. The activities of procurement and supply chain professionals have a major impact on the profitability and efficiency of all types of organisations. CIPS offers corporate solutions packages to improve business profitability. www.cips.org, @CIPSnews.