CHIC is pleased to announce the launch of a new, enhanced Merchants Framework, designed to support social landlords and registered providers with a compliant and flexible route to procure building materials, merchant services, managed stores and specialist supply solutions across a wide range of responsive repairs, planned investment, compliance and retrofit activities.
Developed in collaboration with our members and supply chain partners, we have refined the framework to help address ongoing sector challenges including rising material costs, supply chain reliability, inconsistent pricing and limited visibility of purchasing data. Through benchmarked pricing, strategic supplier partnerships and enhanced reporting capabilities, we support improved operational efficiency, stronger cost control and more effective long term asset management outcomes.
Through this Merchants Framework we provide access to a comprehensive catalogue of materials and components across approved manufacturers and merchants. Our members benefit from volume discounts on commonly used products, transparent procurement practices and regular pricing reviews to ensure continued value for money and competitive supply arrangements.
In addition, we provide regular reporting and purchasing analysis to help members identify spending trends, improve stock control and explore more cost effective procurement options. Ordering and supply processes can also be managed through our Contract and Order Management System – COMS, helping to streamline procurement activity, improve reporting visibility and strengthen operational oversight.
We have designed the framework to enable landlords to separate materials procurement from labour, providing greater control over product specification, quality and lifecycle performance while improving cost transparency across projects. Members can choose between a multi-merchant arrangement, including smaller independent suppliers, or a fully integrated one stop shop approach depending on operational requirements.
We have divided the framework into twelve specialist Lots, giving members the flexibility to procure individual services or adopt a fully integrated materials solution:
- Lot 1: Plumbing
- Lot 2: Electrical
- Lot 3: General Building Materials
- Lot 4: Managed Stores
- Lot 5: Merchant Consortia Managed Stores
- Lot 6: Painting & Decorating
- Lot 7: Specialist Materials
- Lot 8: Tools
- Lot 9: Hire
- Lot 10: Waste Management
- Lot 11: Retrofit Materials
- Lot 12: Van Stock Software
Supporting Strategic Asset Management and Sustainability Objectives
Our Merchants Framework forms part of our wide selection of asset management market solutions. By enabling greater control over materials selection, quality assurance and lifecycle performance, we help social landlords deliver responsive repairs, void works, compliance programmes, planned maintenance and retrofit projects more effectively.
The inclusion of dedicated retrofit materials and waste management Lots also supports our members’ wider sustainability and decarbonisation objectives by improving access to energy efficiency products, reducing material waste and supporting more informed purchasing decisions.
Giles Newman, CHIC’s Head of Merchant Services, said:
“We recognise that procurement within the housing sector is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as organisations balance financial pressures, compliance responsibilities and the growing demand for sustainability focused investment. We have designed the Merchants Framework to give members greater visibility and control across their materials supply chain, while also improving consistency, accountability and value for money.
By separating materials from labour, we enable members to make more specific decisions around product selection, lifecycle performance and stock management. Combined with enhanced reporting, benchmarked pricing and access to specialist merchant expertise, the framework supports a more intelligent and data driven approach to asset management that can deliver long term operational and financial benefits.”
Flexible Procurement Routes to Market
Members can procure services through mini tenders or direct awards, subject to an approved business case, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in meeting specific requirements. A full list of appointed suppliers and additional details about our Merchants Framework can be found on the CHIC website.
