By Liam Gratty, Director of Strategic Services
Buying materials from the right place can save you real money. Here is how, and why it should be your next move.
After more than a decade working with (and within) merchants and housing providers, I have seen procurement change dramatically. The social housing providers making the biggest strides think differently. They take a proactive role in making sure that value is delivered against their contracts, because procurement should deliver better outcomes, not simply lower prices.
That’s exactly what we set out to achieve through the new CHIC Merchants Framework.
Looking Beyond the Purchase Order
For years, merchants have been judged on whether they could supply the right product, at the right price, on the right day.
Important? Absolutely. Enough? Not anymore.
The best merchants bring technical knowledge. They understand changing legislation and often identify better solutions before problems reach site. That is expertise worth using.
I have always believed merchants should be seen as partners, not simply suppliers.
Procurement Should Raise Standards
The conversation around building safety has changed permanently.
CHIC is committed to improving transparency and giving members confidence in the products they are buying, and we back this up as a demand side member of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).
Effective procurement shouldn’t just react to the market. It should help shape it.
When housing providers work collectively, they create the buying power needed to influence product standards, encourage innovation and reward suppliers who are committed to doing things properly.
Choice Creates Resilience
One of the biggest strengths of our framework is the diversity of the supply chain. We now have 27 partners registered on the framework, giving members genuine choice and coverage right across the country.
National merchants have an important role to play. So do independent businesses.
Time and again I have seen specialist merchants solve problems that larger organisations simply weren’t set up to deal with. Whether that is retrofit expertise, renewable technologies or deep product knowledge, these businesses add value. They also strengthen local economies, which shouldn’t be overlooked.
More choice usually leads to better decisions.
Why Separate Materials from Labour?
This is one area where I think the sector still has work to do.
When materials are wrapped into contractor pricing, it’s difficult to understand where costs sit or whether the best products are being specified.
Separating materials changes that. Housing providers gain visibility, procurement teams can use collective buying power more effectively and product specifications stay consistent across programmes. It makes forecasting much easier, and everyone benefits.
Contractors can focus on delivering excellent work on site instead of managing product procurement, while landlords retain control over one of the largest elements of project cost.
It’s a practical change. Not a complicated one.
Better Procurement Delivers Better Outcomes
Frameworks shouldn’t exist simply to tick compliance boxes. They should help organisations make smarter decisions.
That means bringing suppliers into conversations earlier. Sharing expertise before projects begin rather than after problems emerge. Using better data to understand demand instead of reacting to shortages.
I have seen projects transformed simply because the right conversations happened at the right time.
Experience Counts
One thing I have learned over the years is that procurement is still a people business.
Our Merchant Services team works alongside members every day, helping them navigate supply challenges, explore new opportunities and get the very best from their supply chain. Its advice grounded in practical experience because we have worked on both sides of the table.
That perspective makes a difference.
Looking Ahead
The pressures facing social housing aren’t going away, but neither should our ambition.
We need procurement that is more transparent and with supply chains that collaborate rather than operating in isolation. We also need merchants who are recognised for the expertise they bring, not just the invoice they submit.
I genuinely believe that’s where the sector is heading.
The CHIC Merchants Framework has been built around that idea, connecting housing providers with trusted suppliers, creating greater visibility over materials procurement and helping organisations deliver better value over the long term.
Ultimately, the strongest housing services are built on strong partnerships.
Frameworks matter, but relationships matter more.
If you would like to discuss how the CHIC Merchants Framework, and the 27 appointed supply chain partners can support your organisation or an upcoming project, please get in touch.
Giles Newman ([email protected])
Assistant Director of Merchant Services
Becki Willls-Smith ([email protected])
Senior Supply Chain Manager
