UK colleges seek cost savings with franking machine deal

UK universities and colleges have launched a new framework contract as of this month, to source franking machines from four agreed suppliers. The GBP 5m programme will see higher education institutions sourcing their postage machines from FP Executive Agency Ltd, Neopost Ltd, Nationwide Franking Sense or Pitney Bowes.

Equipment available includes franking machines, folder inserters, letter openers, print and mail aggregation software and mail track and trace systems.

The National Franking Machine Agreement was established with the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges, on behalf of the National Postal and Distribution Group, a group that has been overseeing higher education bodies’ postal and mailroom supplies since 1996.

The agreement was also made in collaboration with Scottish public sector procurement agencies, which means the four companies will be able to supply franking machines to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, Police, NHS agencies, central and local government and many other Scottish public sector organisations.

Running for three years, the agreement also has the possibility of extensions.

“Landmark agreement”

Pitney Bowes, which has its UK head office in Harlow, Essex, said the deal would supply the public sector organisations with competitive, pre-negotiated tariffs and terms for the equipment.

The company said its account managers would now be working hard with individual organisations to identify how its technology could help generate cost savings.

Phil Hutchison, marketing director at Pitney Bowes, said: “This is a landmark agreement for Pitney Bowes and comes at a time when higher education institutions and the public sector are looking to identify ways of delivering savings.

“We have a huge range of products and services that use innovation to drive out avoidable costs and optimise postage spend.”

“Savings”

FP Executive Agency, a mailroom supplies firm which has specialised in serving the public sector since launching in 1998, said the deal would ensure pricing, maintenance and service levels, consumables and other key support areas.

Andrew Parmenter, marketing manager for FPEA, said: “We are pleased to once again achieve recognition for being a key supplier to the public sector by being part of the National APUC framework agreement.

“Over the coming years, the agreement will allow us to supply a range of products and services into this area, whilst providing a high level of support that is required within these organisations.”

Neopost, which has its UK head office in Romford, Essex, said it believed the framework agreement would mean “significant savings” for public sector bodies in the UK.

“Under the terms of the agreement, appropriate organisations can benefit by accessing Neopost’s extensive range of communications solutions at a competitive rate,” the company said in a statement. “The agreement truly provides best value to the public sector.”