Responsible Business: Suppliers
In this section of the website you can learn what makes us a responsible
business within our community and our environment.
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Global Sourcing Principles
At The Consortium we take great care in selecting companies who supply us and our customers with
products and services. Our Global Sourcing Principles establish the standards for suppliers working
with us and we expect our suppliers to adopt similar principles in dealing with their own suppliers.
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Tactic Programme
In 2006 a performance improvement initiative 'TACTC' was launched by our purchasing team. TAC stands
for Total Aquisition Cost. Our purchasing decisions take into account not just price but many other aspects
of the trading relationships between our suppliers and us; such as cultural fit, marketing support and
innovation, sustainable credentials and service proposition.
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Auditing
We only trade with suppliers that we have visited and audited. Our audit process is detailed and covers
all aspects of our suppliers operations. Our professionallly trained buyers are looking to build long-term
relationships with our suppliers and audits are designed to be constructive and to highlight opportunities
where working closely together can add real value to the service and prices that we offer to our customers.
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Supplier of the Year awards
For the last five years The Consortium have recognised the performance and contributions of our top suppliers
with our annual Most Improved and Supplier of the Year awards. In 2008 we have decided to recognise suppliers in our three
different markets: education, early years and care. The awards will be made at the relevant trade shows held in the UK.
We are pleased to announce that the winners of the Education Awards 2008 are: Scholaquip, for Supplier
of the Year and BDC Supplies, for Most Improved Supplier of the Year.
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Portfolio Teams
All product ranges are managed by Portfolio triangles of Buyer, Product Manager and Demand Planner.