Procurement specialist launches innovative scheme to help charities support vulnerable individuals safely

Rob Kissick

A UK procurement specialist has launched a unique service to help charities and not-for-profit organisations secure the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning and hygiene supplies they need – especially as demand for supplies increases as lockdown eases.

Many charities have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis with many forms of fundraising impossible due to lockdown and social distancing. Many vulnerable individuals that rely on support from charities have also been left isolated as charities have struggled to secure adequate supplies of quality assured PPE at affordable prices.

2buy2, which supports a range of sectors including churches, schools and care homes with their procurement, will source and purchase PPE for charities that sign up (by Wednesday June 17). Its innovative service will negotiate preferential prices by buying on behalf of all members (aggregation buying). It will also ensure equipment is quality-assured, ethically sourced and all procurement procedures are correctly followed.

2buy2’s procurement services and specialist advisers support many organisations in the procurement and negotiation of complex contracts as well as coordinating their procurement activities to generate greater buying power across a range of contracts and supplies including energy.

The COVID-19 crisis prompted 2buy2 to add PPE to its offering. It has partnered on the supply with Crown Agents, the well-respected UK-based international development company that helps governments around the world to increase prosperity, reduce poverty and improve health by providing consultancy, supply chain, financial services and training. Critically, this also means it can procure the PPE without impacting on the supply to the NHS.

2buy2 has a track record in this space. The company previously helped source PPE supplies for the UK Government as part of its role in the international response to the Ebola health crisis in West Africa in 2014-15. It also worked with Crown Agents on that project.

2buy2 will be making a range of PPE equipment as well as cleaning and hygiene products available to members. But because 2buy2 creates buying groups to get the best deals, it also works to firm deadlines on members signing up. The first deadline for this is 6pm on Wednesday June 17.

Rob Kissick, CEO, 2buy2, said:

“I am delighted that 2buy2 have been able to launch this response in order to help charities of all types to support their collective needs for increased personal protective equipment (PPE) at this incredibly challenging time for everyone.

“Using our experience of running large procurement buying groups, and working in partnership with international procurement agents, Crown Agents, we are procuring supplies of PPE which support members without impacting on the supply to the NHS. In addition to charities, our buying group is available to schools and colleges, churches, care homes, and the wider business sector as we seek to support the economy and cornerstones of society in preparing for re-opening in the coming weeks and months.

“2buy2 is supporting clients in the procurement of PPE by providing expertise in international sourcing and delivery of high quality, inspected goods.”

Charities can sign up here: 2buy2.com/covid-19-response

About Lisa Baker, Editor, Wellbeing News 4212 Articles
Editor Lisa Baker is passionate about the benefits of a holistic approach to healing. Lisa is a qualified Vibrational Therapist and has qualifications in Auricular Therapy, Massage, Kinesiology, Crystal Healing, Seichem and is a Reiki Master.