Greater Transparency in Planned Works
Achieving Material Cost Savings and Greater Transparency in Planned Works
Challenge: Reducing Planned Works Costs Without Compromising Quality
Accent Housing approached CHIC with the objective of reducing the cost of delivering planned works across their property portfolio, while maintaining high standards in both materials and build quality. At the time, they were procuring works on a supply and fit basis, which obscured the breakdown of labour and material costs. Accent suspected that this lack of transparency limited their ability to control expenditure and achieve best value for money. Their goal was to reduce material costs by up to 10%, without affecting service delivery.
Solution & Route to Market
CHIC supported a thorough benchmarking review across key planned works categories, including boilers and radiators, bathrooms, kitchens, electrical, roofing and windows and doors. As a result, Accent achieved savings exceeding their 10% target and gained access to CHIC’s Order Management System (COMS), providing full visibility of materials costs and direct control of ordering.
When CHIC’s original contracts expired, CHIC supported Accent with a detailed review, utilising suppliers from CHIC’s current frameworks. This comparative benchmarking process examined the pricing from incumbents and alternative framework suppliers. New savings were identified in several areas, including:
- Boilers and Radiators – 2%
- Bathrooms – 11.4%
- Kitchens – 0% (no increase from incumbent)
- Electric Heating – 4%
- Roofline & Rainwater Goods – 31.5%
- Windows & Doors – 31.1%
How CHIC Helped
Following the benchmarking, CHIC facilitated the setup and execution of all new supplier contracts and led mobilisation meetings to ensure a smooth transition. Comprehensive training was provided for both Accent staff and supplier representatives on using the CHIC Order Management System (COMS), enabling seamless materials ordering and cost control.
CHIC continued to support the contracts by attending quarterly review meetings with Accent and suppliers across five geographical regions, monitoring performance and resolving issues as needed. The CHIC data team also provided technical support and managed product catalogues to ensure pricing accuracy and to challenge or validate any increase requests, helping Accent maintain cost control throughout the contract duration.
Suppliers appointed through this process included Kingfisher Windows, Edmundson Electrical, City Plumbing Supplies, Magnet Kitchens and Specialist Building Distribution. The resulting contracts were valued between £1 million and £3 million per annum.
What our stakeholders say...
Services
We offer a comprehensive selection of services, providing a full suite of contractor and supply chain solutions for affordable housing landlords and other public sector bodies, across their asset management and development programmes.
Case studies
CHIC has demonstrated creating significant cost savings, efficiencies, and other value outcomes for our members over the past few years.
Meet the team
Bringing a wealth of knowledge from across the housing and construction sectors.
