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COI unveils new Merchandising and Promotional Items Framework

The Central Office of Information (COI) has overhauled its framework (roster) of agencies that specialise in merchandise and promotional items.

A total of 58 suppliers from across the UK secured a place on one or more of the five lots, over half (55 per cent) are new to the framework.

COI's Merchandising team thoroughly evaluated over 400 individual applications. The successful agencies were selected on the basis of their proven expertise and experience in one or more of the following specialisms:

1. In-house producers, manufacturers or stockists;

2. Suppliers of standard imported products;

3. Suppliers of bespoke imported products;

4. Suppliers that can provide online corporate merchandise schemes; and

5. Gift voucher suppliers.

The sustainability, recycling and green credentials of applicants to lots one to four was taken into consideration. While particular consideration was given to applicants in lots two and three with regards to information on their supply chain including factory audit reports.

Each of the five lots has been sub-divided into a wide range of labels in order to accommodate more creative briefs, as well as widen the number of trade suppliers of UK and imported products that could apply.

This means the new framework includes suppliers with experience in providing online corporate programmes (i.e. sourcing, storage and fulfilment via web shops), as well as those capable of running full service staff incentive schemes.

The framework was divided up in this way to meet the requirements of the Public Contract Regulations 2006 which requires that all suppliers "capable of performing the proposed contract" are invited to compete for each piece of business. Briefs can be issued across a number of lots and labels as well as single lots and labels, depending on requirements.

This also allows suppliers to compete for government and public sector work without the requirement for a lengthy procurement process for every contract.

Sarah Eastlake, Head of Merchandising, said:

”The new framework includes a broad range of suppliers meaning greater choice and flexibility for our government and public sector clients. We’re confident that we’ve selected the very best in the marketplace and look forward to working with them to provide high quality and cost effective solutions for our clients."

The Merchandising framework, worth more than £3 million per annum, was last reviewed in September 2005. The new framework becomes operational on the 14 December 2009.

Ends

For press enquiries, please contact Tracey Cobbett at COI on 020 7261 8763

Notes to editors

COI maintains and uses around 30 world-class frameworks of suppliers which are the 'best of the best'; taking into account the anticipated needs of COI and its government and public sector clients.
In 2008/9, COI commissioned around £3 million worth of merchandising orders on behalf of government departments and the public sector, to communicate issues that affect the lives of every citizen - from health and education to benefits, rights and welfare. These ranged from small scale stationery orders to multi product orders for large campaigns such as Change 4 Life and Royal Air Force recruitment. COI also purchases around £800k worth of gift vouchers a year for employee reward schemes across the public sector.
The current Merchandising and Promotional Items Framework will be used for a maximum of four years.
A full list of agencies on the new Merchandising Framework is below.
In accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, this framework has been advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

A photograph of Sarah Eastlake is available on request.