LAURA KYLE Construction lead at the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO)
What services does the organisation provide?
NEPO achieves benefits across the public sector through collaborative procurement. NEPO undertakes high-value procurement in major strategic areas of spending such as construction, energy, facilities management, fleet, food, ICT and professional services, on behalf of North East local authorities. Our frameworks are also available for use by the wider public sector including, but not limited to, government departments and their agencies, non-departmental public bodies, NHS bodies, emergency services and educational establishments. Another key area of NEPO’s approach is embedding social value within procurement solutions to ensure they create value within the local economy, and positively impact our communities and the environment.
Tell us about your role at NEPO.
I oversee all activity included within NEPO’s Construction Work Programme for the North East region. Between my team and myself, we develop and manage a suite of collaborative solutions within the construction portfolio, ensuring NEPO Member and Associate Member Authorities have compliant and robust routes to market for all of their construction needs. The portfolio captures a diverse offering including construction works, materials, highways services with an annual spend of over £250 million.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being able to see a tangible, finished product at the end of the procurement journey. Generally speaking, in procurement, we work in continual cycles and sometimes the outcome of a process isn’t really visible. However, in construction, we can clearly see the impact our solutions offer and it’s extremely rewarding to know we have played a part in the development of the North East. I also thoroughly enjoy the relationship management aspects of my role including meeting new people, introducing NEPO and explaining what we do. I am exceptionally proud of what we deliver as an organisation and I love to promote our success!
What’s your proudest business achievement?
Most recently it’s the creation and the launch of NEPO’s three-year construction strategy and the subsequent growth of our solutions. NEPO is extremely excited to see some iconic and pivotal projects delivered through our construction portfolio as an enabler for muchneeded regional development and growth.
What challenges have you encountered?
The pandemic was very tough and overnight we adapted to new ways of working. As an organisation with collaboration at the heart of everything we do, we adapted quickly to virtual working and forming teams online as opposed to face-to-face. I’m proud that we successfully achieved another way of working whilst ensuring we continued to deliver effectively for the region.
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
Traditionally, procurement and purchasing were seen as interchangeable terms and we were the department in which staff could order everything from stationery to cleaning supplies. Procurement’s remit has significantly transformed and now we are recognised as a core, strategic service both within the North East and nationally. Upcoming procurement reforms will undoubtedly bring significant changes to the way we operate but we’re up for the challenge!
Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?
Don’t wish for it, work for it! I’ve always had a strong work ethic and firmly believe that hard work is the key to success.
How do you like to unwind?
I enjoy reading and walking my dog in the wonderful North East countryside and coastline that we’re lucky to have on our doorstep
