How does the University select its suppliers
The University uses a range of different methods to identify and appoint suppliers. We do not hold lists of ‘approved’ suppliers, instead we use formal contracts, public sector framework agreements or similar arrangements.
Purchases below £50,000
At this value, staff in the University’s colleges and professional service areas are responsible for undertaking their own purchasing. Typically, this will involve obtaining (up to) three quotations where it is reasonable to do so. It is down to the individual with the requirement to determine which suppliers they will seek quotes from. The Procurement Team is not directly involved in these purchases and these opportunities will not be advertised.
Purchases above £50,000
The University’s Procurement Team will become involved at this value and a more formal process will apply.
The University is also subject to the Procurement Act 2023. This is legislation which requires contracts above certain financial thresholds to follow formal tendering procedures. All expenditure for goods, services or works with a total contract value (excluding VAT) above the following thresholds have to be advertised on the Find A Tender website:
| Type of Contract | Threshold |
| Supplies/Services | £179,087 |
| Works Contracts | £4,477,174 |
However, this obligation does not apply when the University is making use of a framework agreement which has already been advertised and openly tendered.
For contracts below these thresholds, these opportunities will sometimes be advertised on Contracts Finder. Both contract portals are free to use websites on which a wide range of public sector contracts are advertised.
Estates suppliers
For contracts for the University’s Estates team, if the contract value is less than the above thresholds, the University sometimes uses the Constructionline website to identify contractors to be invited to compete for contracts. Constructionline is the UK’s largest register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants working in the construction sector.
Framework Agreements
For some purchases, the University accesses suppliers (and awards contracts) through framework agreements in order to benefit from collaborative procurement. These are established by third party organisations such as North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium, The University Caterers Organisation and Scape. Framework agreement opportunities are advertised on the Find A Tender site.