Furniture manufacturer Godfrey Syrett is set to see a leap in sales within the education sector after being appointed by the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) as its first choice supplier of educational furniture.
The North East firm, which is this year celebrating its 70th anniversary, says the appointment brings huge potential and supports its wider growth strategy to reach a £50 million turnover by 2020.
Amanda Shepherd, business development manager at Godfrey Syrett said: “This is the first time we have been appointed as a NEPO supplier and it is a great achievement for all of the team. We underwent a tough competitive tender process and were up against numerous other furniture suppliers, so we are delighted to have been chosen.”
Godfrey Syrett has a dedicated education division which has been supplying furniture to UK schools for 25 years. Last year the firm completed four six-figure furniture installations at new build academies in Teesside and Sunderland, but says it welcomes the opportunity to work with more local schools.
Derek Mitchell, divisional director added: “NEPO has 11 North East member authorities on its framework, as well as over 200 Associate Members from the wider public sector, and we relish the opportunity to work directly with these local authorities and schools to develop new relationships and grow sales across the region, within a sector where we have a wealth of experience.”
Since 1976, NEPO has worked in partnership with North East local authorities on strategic procurement of high value goods and services in order to deliver savings, maximise efficiencies and promote best practice.
The organisation streamlines the procurement process and the framework agreement means that schools are able to purchase directly from Godfrey Syrett, as well as tendering larger orders.
Emma Pallister of NEPO said: “NEPO’s Furniture solution includes three lots covering Office Furniture, Educational Furniture and Residential/Commerical Furniture. We look forward to working with Godfrey Syrett in their role as first ranked supplier to the Educational Furniture lot. The company has an impressive North East heritage and a 210-strong workforce delivering furniture solutions for a huge variety of education projects. We were particularly impressed by the firm’s strong supply chain network supporting local businesses and its long standing work in the local community.”
Godfrey Syrett’s framework appointment will run for four years.