The North East public procurement organisation has unveiled a major new procurement solution designed to transform how the public sector accesses goods, services, works and technology. The NEPRO Innovation solution, delivered in partnership with Constellia, will create a more flexible, transparent and efficient route to market for public sector organisations and suppliers alike.

NEPRO Innovation is a new future-focused procurement solution, designed by NEPO experts to help the public sector deliver complex innovation projects with confidence. After conducting a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, NEPO has appointed Constellia to deliver the solution.

One solution, multiple opportunities

NEPRO Innovation provides a single, flexible and fully compliant route to market. Rather than navigating multiple frameworks for different categories, organisations can access everything they need from IT infrastructure to specialist expertise and construction projects through one comprehensive route.
Delivered through NEPO’s proven neutral vendor model, NEPRO Innovation will see Constellia build on and adapt the approach it has successfully deployed across 300 organisations, managing over £400 million in spend.

Under this arrangement, Constellia works with organisations to source the most suitable and appropriate supplier for each requirement. Constellia manages a dynamic marketplace of more than 4,000 suppliers, the majority of which are SMEs. The neutral vendor model can adapt to different needs, opens doors for small businesses, and gives procurement teams additional capacity when they need it - helping them deliver accelerated and better outcomes for communities.

Supporting UK Government and Wider Public Sector

The solution enables public sector organisations across the UK to access Constellia's procurement expertise and dynamic cross-category and pre-vetted supply chain of more than 4,000 suppliers.

The partnership establishes a framework agreement that builds on NEPO's strong position as a trusted public sector partner. The solution delivers on the ambition of the Government’s Procurement Act 2023, making public procurement simpler, delivering better value for money, and driving innovation.

As part of the partnership, Constellia will open a new office in the North East, creating over 30 jobs, supporting local businesses and staying close to member councils.

Steven Sinclair, Procurement and Commercial Director at NEPO, said: "NEPRO Innovation is the latest addition to the NEPRO portfolio, representing a step change in how the public sector delivers outcomes through a single, compliant route to market.

"Enabled by the Procurement Act 2023 and designed by procurement professionals, it allows delivery of complex projects that may require cross-category expertise, commercial flexibility and robust contract management. It is particularly suited to authorities seeking innovative, outcome-focused solutions while maintaining the compliance, assurance and governance standards expected within the public sector.

"NEPRO Innovation is accessible to the public sector through our free NEPO Associate Membership, offering a straightforward, low-risk route to high-quality procurement outcomes."

Rob Levene, Chair of Constellia, added: "We're delighted to partner with NEPO on their second neutral vendor framework. NEPO's trusted reputation and public sector expertise complement Constellia's established neutral vendor approach. We'll be delivering NEPRO Innovation using the same proven methodology that has worked successfully across our existing client base. The national availability of this framework means public sector organisations across the UK can benefit from this combined strength."

John McCabe, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce says: "Unlocking the North East economy means making sure businesses of all sizes can access opportunity and compete on a level playing field. Too often, small and medium-sized enterprises find public procurement complex and difficult to navigate.

"NEPO’s more open and flexible approach through NEPRO Innovation is a positive step towards widening participation, strengthening local supply chains and ensuring more public sector investment supports North East growth. It is encouraging to see organisations from our region leading innovation that can deliver lasting economic impact."

The solution, which runs until February 2030 with a potential 4-year extension, is now available to NEPO member authorities and associate members. Public sector organisations wishing to access NEPRO Innovation can join NEPO as an associate member free of charge.