How We Work
A clear 10-stage approach which forms the foundations of how we work
Stage 1 – Contact
Depending on the scope of the work involved, we’ll either discuss everything over the phone, or arrange a meeting to find out more about your business and requirements.
Stage 2 – Assess Requirements
Our dedicated team will work closely with you to confirm your precise needs, and if relevant, provide examples of how we’ve helped similar organisations. At this stage we’ll probably ask you for invoice data from existing suppliers.
Stage 3 – Financial Audit
IPA will take you through a comprehensive financial audit, benchmarking what you spend with existing suppliers against IPA’s supplier roster. We offer a single and multi-site tendering service based either on price or specific needs. We will then either ask suppliers to quote based on a typical shopping basket – or for larger pieces of work, we’ll invite suppliers to a presentation where we give them a detailed brief to respond to.
Wherever possible, we’ll try to retain relationships with your existing suppliers whereby they offer you a better deal. If savings with alternative suppliers are significant, we’ll help you assess the pros and cons of switching.
Stage 4 – Financial savings
Depending on the amount of work involved, IPA will either send you a breakdown of revised costs and potential savings, or arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss things further. Typically, savings can be upto 40% of relevent expenditure.
Stage 5 – Accept/review
Now it’s over to you, to decide if you’d like to go ahead with the revised pricing structure – of course, we’ll answer any questions to help you make that decision.
Stage 6 – Supplier setup
As required, we’ll work with you to set up your existing and new suppliers through IPA. We review every supplier, so you can be confident they meet the highest levels of safety, legality and quality in their products.
Stage 7 – IPA system setup
Where needed, we’ll set up the IPA Solutions systems for you and provide training. The IPA Customer Service Team will always be on hand to answer any questions and support you as you use the new system.
Stage 8 – Trading
You begin trading with existing and new suppliers, and maintain direct contact with them. If there are issues, or if we can help in any way, just get in touch.
Stage 9 – Account management
IPA’s highly experienced Account Managers and Customer Service Executives will support you every step of way.
Stage 10 – Account reviews
Regular reviews, and reports will give you valuable insights into your buying activity. We’ll review your purchases to make sure you continue to get the best terms suitable for your business.
STRUCTURE
We take a structured approach to working with you, as we have done for all our clients for over 20 years.
Rest assured – you’re in safe hands.