NEPO has strengthened the team that will deliver its Open e-procurement platform.
Graham Kelly has been appointed as Open product owner to ensure the platform delivers the ambitions of both buyers and suppliers. Graham will oversee the support, maintenance, and future development of Open.
The support team for Open has also been bolstered with the appointment of Olu Fafure and Emanuela Codara as Open customer service coordinators.
NEPO and the twelve North East local authorities launched Open to transform the public sector procurement experience. The platform offers an improved experience through intelligent use of data and user-centred design which will transform how suppliers find and bid for competitive public sector procurement opportunities.
Nicola Shelley, managing director, NEPO, said: “There’s no doubting the role that procurement plays in delivering economic growth. We’re an ambitious organisation that will showcase the potential of public procurement. I’m delighted with the appointments we’ve made to strengthen the Open team. Graham, Olu and Emanuela will help us build on the progress we have made with Open since its launch.
“We have a great track record of helping local and regional suppliers win public sector procurement opportunities. Through the Open platform we will be able to go further by helping more suppliers win more contracts.”
Graham Kelly, Open product owner, said: “This is an exciting time for public sector procurement. The Procurement Bill will allow us to ensure public sector procurement opportunities deliver wider regional economic and environmental ambitions.
“Open will help us to go further and faster by transforming the public sector procurement experience across the region. Built on world leading technology, Open will be at the heart of delivering a seamless experience for both buyers and suppliers.
“I’m really excited by the opportunities we have to show the region as a technological leader in public sector procurement.”