National Grid spends around £550m per annum on the purchase of goods and services for it's electricity transmission activities. from high value, high technology computer control systems and electrical plant to paint and office furniture, our suppliers range from the very small to multi-national companies. We welcome new suppliers who can meet our requirements, competitively.
Overall procurement strategy is co-ordinated by the Procurement and Logistics Management team, however individual businesses and operating units are responsible for issuing their own orders and contracts. To take advantage of National Grid's bulk spending power, company wide framework agreements (National Contracts) covering a diverse range of goods and services are negotiated for use by all group locations as and when required.
Our policy is to seek competitive tenders whenever practicable and to comply with European Procurement Law (EU Directives).
To promote competition and encourage innovation, international standards and functional specifications are consistently favoured.
Tenderers are selected on the basis of their suitability for each contract. Typically, prospective tenderers will be assessed in areas of financial performance, manufacturing capacity and capability, quality assurance systems, corporate history, health and safety records, environmental management and past performance.
We do not purchase on price alone. All aspects of maintenance, technical support, past performance, after sales service, lifetime costing etc., are considered carefully, to secure the best long-term value for money. Our use of objective tender assessment criteria means all tenderers are treated fairly and equally. We will be tough but fair in our business dealings and continue to encourage working with suppliers.