By Liam Gratty, Director of Strategic Services
Buying materials from the right place can save you 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.
Expertise beyond buying goods
Merchants are often asked to simply supply the right product at the right price.
Is this Important? Absolutely. Is this 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 and product safety has changed and will continue on that trajectory for the foreseeable future.
We strongly support the evolving agenda to drive culture change and transparency within the industry. As a demand side supporter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) we want to promote this with our supply chain. Effective procurement shouldn’t just react to the market. It should help shape it.
When procurement is done collectively, it creates 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 deliver solutions that generalist approaches cannot. Whether it is retrofit expertise, renewable technologies or deep product knowledge, specialist capability adds real value. We recognise that one size does not fit all, which is why our framework enables members to access the right expertise for each project.
More choice usually leads to better decisions.
Why Separate Materials from Labour?
This is one area where many CHIC members are yet to realise the full potential of savings and the resulting increased spending power.
When materials are wrapped into contractor pricing, it’s difficult to understand where costs sit or whether the best products are being installed.
Separating materials changes that. Housing providers gain visibility, procurement teams can use collective buying power more effectively and product specifications stay consistent across programmes. The true materials costs at project or property level makes forecasting much easier and everyone benefits.
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 and developing a full strategy can be achieved far 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, providing expert, commercially focused support. Drawing on deep sector knowledge and hands on experience gained from all perspectives, we deliver detailed, practical guidance that helps members overcome challenges, identify opportunities and maximise value from their procurement and supply chain strategies.
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 brings clients, contractors and the materials supply chain together. Merchants are experts in their field and by drawing on that expertise through a collaborative approach, projects can be delivered more efficiently and with better outcomes.
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
