SIMON HANSON Economic development and policy manager at North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO)
Tell us about your role at NEPO
Whether it is economic growth, job creation, apprenticeships, or reducing emissions, there’s no doubt procurement will be at the heart of delivering the region’s ambitions. My role is to help achieve this through the work we do at NEPO. This includes embedding social value in all that we do, helping suppliers find and win more procurement opportunities and showcasing the fantastic work done across the region by both buyers and suppliers.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working with a superb team to have the opportunity to make a tangible difference right across the region. We all know the region isn’t a problem to be solved but a solution to the challenges that are faced. At NEPO we can help deliver levelling-up and achieve net zero.
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.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
Helping smaller businesses across the region achieve their ambitions and get the recognition they deserve. As Development Manager at the Federation of Small Business (FSB), we ensured that the massive role the 158,000 small businesses play was listened to locally, regionally and nationally. A standout moment at the start of the pandemic was ensuring small businesses got the support and assistance they were entitled to. For many, it made a tangible difference to their survival.
What challenges have you encountered?
Where there is challenge there is opportunity. There are still some outdated perceptions of what the North East is and what we do. From this, there is a huge opportunity for us to ensure the perceptions don’t become a reality. At NEPO this means demonstrating how procurement is integral in delivering the region’s ambitions.
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
The region has become much more innovative, entrepreneurial, and ambitious. We only have to look at recent announcements from Britishvolt, Turntide Technologies, Envision and Nissan, alongside the net zero plans being developed in the Tees Valley by GE and BP. There are significant opportunities to build on this right across the region to secure more investment, deliver more jobs and support more businesses.
There is increasing recognition of the role procurement plays in delivering tangible outcomes in communities across the region. The recent changes announced by Government will help us go further and faster in delivering our wider regional and national ambitions.
Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?
People do business with people. Irrespective of what sector, what community, or what size of organisation you are, it’s all about people. Building trusted relationships that deliver shared ambitions and positive outcomes rather than transactional relationships.
How do you like to unwind?
I enjoy running – whether on the road or the trail, it’s great to get out and explore the region. I also love to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers.
