IPA - Procuring the Best Deal for its Members

IPA Purchasing was set up in 1993 as a purchasing group to serve a wide range of business sectors, enabling smaller and independent companies to enjoy the purchasing benefits normally available only to larger organisations.

In other words, an individual public house or restaurant might struggle on its own to get the best prices on the food, equipment and services it requires; by joining IPA, however, it can enjoy much more competitive prices – something that is increasingly important in today’s economic climate.

Anna Ferenczy, Marketing & Communications Executive, explains, “By grouping together thousands of independent businesses and negotiating prices collectively, it is possible to give each business the preferential rates that would be only be available to much larger organisations. Membership to IPA is available free of charge to all hospitality establishments, care and nursing homes, schools, colleges or independent caterers – indeed any UK business that wishes to reduce its costs in key spend areas.”

So why should anyone join IPA? Anna reflects on the main benefits below

Improved Prices from Suppliers

“Our purchasing power enables us to offer extremely competitive terms for a wide range of products from national, regional and local suppliers. The implementation of the IPA’s terms are free of charge, with all the identified savings being returned directly to the client’s business.”

Price Reviews

“Our detailed price analysis service provides a benchmark for pricing using realistic and meaningful criteria together with practical advice on how improvements may be achieved. At all times it remains a wholly transparent process delivered by the professionals at IPA.”

Due Diligence on Food Suppliers

“All of IPA’s catering and food suppliers are expected to meet strict criteria for the safety, legality and quality of products supplied. To achieve this, we are one of the first organisations in the purchasing consortia arena to use the highly regarded services of CMi, an independent UKAS accredited inspection body.”

Central Billing Scheme

“This is an option to pay all of your monthly invoices from different suppliers in one single payment. Minimise your bank charges and other related costs by centralising the payment of your suppliers invoices through IPA and earn reward points on your purchasing.”

Dedicated Customer Service

“At IPA we believe implicitly in the importance of providing a custom-built service relevant to your industry. This is why we have established teams dedicated to servicing individual business sectors ensuring that our clients get the best possible advice according to their unique requirements.

As a member of IPA you can expect to receive:

• An experienced personnel team to act as a ‘third party’ between client and supplier. Our purchasing experts personally assist members on a daily basis, ensuring that any invoice or supplier issues – if they should occur – are resolved quickly.

• A continual review of supplier performance through agreed indicators and current pricing to ensure that best value is being achieved at all times.

• A free product sourcing service where we will find the most suitable supplier for a required product or service and negotiate the best pricing terms on the clients behalf.”

Wide Range of Products AND Services covering all categories

• Food and Beverages: Ranging from large operators such as 3663, Brakes, Dairy Crest or Unilever through regional companies as KFF and Peters Foodservice to individual food and beverage suppliers as Delice de France, McVities or Tchibo.

• Drinks and Snacks: Carlsberg, Molson Coors, Britvic, Coca Cola and Snacksdirect amongst a wide range of providers supplying soft or alcoholic drinks and snacks.

• Housekeeping: Save money on the cleaning materials and products you use and find out about the savings you can have on your waste management and uniforms.

• Fixture and Fittings: Linen, heating, lighting? IPA will have a supplier for all.

• Equipment and Furniture: From catering equipment suppliers such as Bunzl Lockhart, JHS or Maidaid to a range of in and outdoor furnishing providers.

• Credit/Debit Processing – Credit card terminal fees are waved and the actual percentage charged on each transaction can be reduced.

• Insurance – Preferential terms and a better pricing structure on your business or personal insurance.

• Utilities – IPA’s broker could provide savings with your electricity, gas and water providers.

For further information on this FREE PURCHASING SERVICE please telephone 01372 466966 or visit www.ipapurchasing.co.uk.