NEPO and members deliver £2.74 million boost

A North East procurement organisation has unveiled its latest social value report, showcasing millions of pounds in contributions to regional projects and initiatives that have improved communities, supported jobs and promoted environmental sustainability.

NEPO and its member authorities collectively delivered £2.74 million in social value between July 2023 and October 2024.

This included empowering more than 1000 apprentices and trainees, generating £31,000 for reforestation efforts, and providing nearly 2000 hours of teaching support in local schools and colleges.

In addition to securing long-term social value commitments through supplier partnerships, NEPO helped create 51 full-time local jobs and contributed £439,000 toward employment support.

Highlights included Version 1's Early Careers Programme in partnership with Northumbria University, which offered 48-week training for sixteen graduates who went on to secure full-time positions with Version 1.

Nicola Shelley, NEPO managing director, said: “We are proud of the support we have been able to deliver, and we'd like to thank all our suppliers, member authorities and partners for their efforts in helping us make a real difference to the communities that we serve.

“We aim to bring about real change, and we couldn’t do it without you.

“Our work has given us insight into the needs and challenges faced by the individuals and communities, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our members on projects that support our region.

Support for community projects spanned across the region from Northumberland to Redcar, with member organisation and energy supplier EDF helping to fully renovate the Parent and Child Together North East (PACTNE) site near Darlington, a shelter for vulnerable families.

Trevor Birtle, PACTNE chair of trustees, said: “We house families who are vulnerable for lots of different reasons and need intensive support for a period of time.

“The results have been great; many families have gone back into the community feeling so much stronger after staying here.

“EDF and NEPO have helped make a big impact to improve our on-site facilities for the families who reside here, in a short space of time. It’s very much appreciated.”

Meanwhile, environmental efforts included tree planting, community space regeneration and beach cleaning.

During the summer, NEPO joined forces with the team at Bunzl Greenham to organise and deliver a litter picking drive along Durham’s heritage coastline, with guidance from SeaScapes, to prevent waste from entering the ocean and helping protect marine life.

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