Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Business Development and Growth, which provided a summary of the 2026/27 Commercial Plan. The detailed Commercial Plan was appended to the report. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 11’ is filed with these minutes.

The exempt report was not for publication as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (include the authority holding that information).

The Director of Business Development and Growth highlighted key repoints and responded to questions on the following:

o   Expected increased catalogues sales, which a budget set prudently to reflect prevailing market conditions.

o   Reduction in stores and directs volume to reflect the continued contraction of the education supplies market.

o   The expectation that framework income would continue to grow and that local government reorganisation could also present further opportunities for ESPO’s framework portfolio.

o   Sales strategy focus was on ensuring that the product offer remained aligned to customer demand.

o   Education technology, together with PunchOut and finance management system integrations, had been identified as important areas for growth.

o   Assessment of procurement solutions to identify specific framework opportunities.

o   Strategic category plans to assess the future framework portfolio.

o   Website improvement for framework customers to transact online.

o   A programme of events and webinars to demonstrate ESPO’s expertise and promote both its catalogue and framework offer to senior leaders.

It was noted that the Plan was intended to be a dynamic document which would be progressed flexibly in response to the commercial environment.

It was moved by Cllr. Bridgwood and seconded by Cllr. Wyatt that the update provided by the Director of Business Development and Growth be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the update provided Director of Business Development and Growth be noted.