Separate collections of waste paper, metal, plastic & glass

Posted 13 November 2014 | | 0 Comments

It is already a legal requirement for waste producers to treat waste in line with the waste hierarchy. Once you've considered waste reduction and re-use, you need to ensure that all recyclable materials are recycled where possible to avoid landfill.

But as of 1st January 2015, the revised EU Waste Framework Directive 2008 requires that the UK government must make arrangements for the collection of waste paper, metal, plastic and glass separately where 'technically, environmentally and economically practicable' and 'appropriate to meet the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors.'

This law covers both commercial, industrial and domestic waste. The information stated below does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for legal or other professional advice.

How does this affect your organisation as a waste producer?

We believe that as of start 2015 you will need to considering the following:

• Keep a well-documented audit trail when deciding which collection system to use and hold regular reviews to ensure your waste management system remains compliant.
• As a minimum, you will be expected to separate mixed dry recyclables (paper, metal, plastic, glass) from general waste prior to their collection unless space for containers, cost of collection or any other genuine barriers prevent this.
• If it is not technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) to do this, you will need to implement the most suitable alternative solution and ensure you have evidence as to why a separate collection is not practicable. If you are already separating out the recyclable materials into a combined waste collection, you will need to consider the suitability of this, and whether your waste contractor has the capability to separate these out into separate individual waste streams. As a minimum you are likely to be required to have a separate glass collection.
• Whether or not you separate out your waste into individual waste streams or combined, you will need to ensure that the quality of these collections is of a high standard and not contaminated with non-recyclable waste.
• Although not a legal requirement, it is advisable to verify the end destination of these wastes, as a best practice measure, to ensure that they are sent for recycling and not landfill.

The diagram (below) is the Waste Regulations Route Map, and for general information only.

We can help you become compliant

BSA, through it sustainable procurement service, is committed to ensuring that its customers are compliant. Our UK national waste partners stand ready to review your waste practices. They can:

• Work with you to assess the practicalities and options for implementing combined or segregated collections if you're not already doing so and implement any agreed service changes on your behalf.
• Provide assistance to communicate with your staff and other stakeholders to ensure that materials separated are of a sufficient quality and not contaminated with non-recyclable waste.
• Regularly check the quality of your recyclables to ensure that high standards are being consistently applied. If issues are found, they will work with you to resolve the problems and improve the quality of your recyclables.
• Ensure you have a well-documented audit trail and regular reviews of your waste management system.

You're running out of time to ensure compliancy by 1st January 2015 so we urge swift action!! Just call 0845 5553344 or email us and we'll help you.

by M Roper | 13 November 2014

Academies move to collective procurement approach

Posted 7 October 2014 | | 0 Comments

Academies across the UK are increasingly taking up collaborative procurement practices to deliver better value for money, a new survey has shown. Yet curiously the survey, carried out by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), also shows that authority schools are actually declining in their use of collaborative procurement.

Academies are turning to group buying in partnership with other Academies, either formally or informally. 45% of primary and 40% of secondary level academies say that they've engaged in this activity - this is a jump of 5% and 6% respectively in just a year.

Whilst this trend towards Academies seeking better value for money is a positive step from taxpayers' perspective, there is still a long way to go. There is still a reluctance to move too radically towards buying group procurement across many different cost categories. This may be in part due to the historic reliance of schools pre-Academy status on their local authorities to manage their larger procurement spend and their tendency to be risk averse and conservative in nature.

However, as more and more Academies take up the Buying Group approach, there will be even more evidence of significant total cost savings and value improvement, and therefore I predict that this trend will continue to grow. The one caution I would raise though is the need for Academies to manage the group procurement to ensure that complacency doesn't set in. And it's very important that supplier performance is monitored and shared across schools to ensure that suppliers are kept on their toes at all times.

One final point relates to sustainable procurement. We see little evidence of buying groups identifying eco-friendly business and school supplies and bulk buying to reduce costs. We think that a lot of schools want to reduce costs but also demonstrate their green credentials too. That's why BSA Buying Group helps schools to reduce their overhead costs but also offers special price discounts for schools at GreenBuying.co.uk This is a sister website which sources eco products from around the UK, such as recycled stationery, non-toxic cleaning supplies, eco computers, recycling bins, children's playground equipment made from plastics diverted from landfill.

ENDS

by M Roper | 7 October 2014

How might Scottish Independence affect Procurement?

Posted 16 September 2014 | | 0 Comments

So we're into the last few hectic days before the Scots decide whether or not to pull out of the United Kingdom. As procurement specialists we have been considering the impact (both positive and negative) from a procurement perspective. Whilst we're based in England, we have many Scottish clients and both sides of the border will have to consider very carefully how to prepare for a "Yes" (and to a lesser extent, a "No" vote).

Arguably the biggest single considerations from a supply chain perspective will be related to changes to currency, tax, tariffs and the impact on business continuity. But there may well be other serious issues too - technology transfer, pensions, employment law, foreign market access. And what about the risk of financial institutions moving south of the border? Some commentators also see a high risk of increased costs of borrowing in Scotland, particularly if there is a need to change currency. The combination of higher debt (resulting in a loss in national credit ratings), the additional cost of currency exchange conversions and the increased uncertainty resulting in a flight in capital flows all add up to a higher risk supply chain in Scotland.

There are also legal impacts with further massive implications. One example is if Scotland cannot join the EU - which will happen if just one EU Member state vetoes their entry. This will mean that the EU Procurement Directives will be null and void, causing the rules of public procurement to change, creating confusion and chaos. To counter this, the Scottish government has recently passed the New Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. If the Scots vote "Yes" we would advise all procurement departments to consult with their legal advisors to gain advice on the inclusion of clauses specifically to tackle currency, tax and regulatory changes.

On the currency issue, there is no clarity currently concerning whether or not an independent Scotland will have a currency union with the rest of the UK. Whilst the SNP believe this can happen, the remainder of the UK may not be too keen to accept a union, particularly because of the heightened risks associated with Scotland's finances post independence. If however Scotland manages to join the Euro, prices are likely to rise in Scotland. This has certainly happened in most countries who have joined the Euro in the past. So companies in the rest of the UK with contracts for supply with Scottish companies will have to make sure that contracts are negotiated in sterling.

The creation of a customs border will also impact on the supply chains. Just look at what happened to suppliers to the motor industry when the Czech Republic split away from Slovakia.

So how should buyers react to this massive change? We've prepared a checklist for consideration:

• Rank your suppliers based on risk. Those at high risk should be considered first, with a contingency plan developed (such as the identification and development of a new source of supply).
• Remember to consider tier 2 suppliers (the suppliers to your suppliers) when considering the impact of independence on your company.
• Are you aware of the key categories in the supply chain affected by independence?
• Have you perceived supply chain risk from sourcing from one particular source?
• Have you assessed how your sourcing strategies will be affected in both the short and longer term?
• Have you assessed the impact of ongoing international uncertainties on the key input commodities?
• How does independence impact on your bottom line and gross margins?
• What can your company do to shield itself from the negative impact of independence?
• How will your industry sector be impacted?
• How will your competitors react to the changes?
• Will Wales and Northern Ireland follow suit, and if so, what impact will this have on your business?

This uncertainty may well impact on consumer demand across the UK, not just in Scotland. People may choose to save more, divest away from the UK. There may be a nationalist backlash against Scotland (in the rest of the UK) or a nationalist fervour in favour of supporting Scottish suppliers (in Scotland). How will this impact on your business?

And of course all of this turmoil may be a dress rehearsal for the possible referendum in the UK in a few years time to consider our continuing membership of the European Union. If you think our current challenges re Scottish independence is significant, you wait until the European membership question is posed!

On a positive note, Scottish independence for many companies may be great news. A more vibrant economy no longer shackled by the rest of the UK may get a boost which will feed through to higher growth and greater consumer demand. And we must also remember that after the Yes vote, the rest of the UK will remain by far the biggest and most important export market for Scotland. And Scotland represents an important market for the rest of the UK too. So it makes no sense for either Scotland or the rest of the UK to damage the supply chain between the two nations. Some of the fears raised by the "No" camp may be overblown.

In summary, we're all living at a time of big changes here in the UK. Even if Scotland votes "No" later this week, buyers in both Scotland and the rest of the UK will need to reflect on how it will impact on their supply chains. If your company isn't considering and adapting, you can be sure that your competitors will be. So its a critical time for procurement.

by M Roper | 16 September 2014

This month's spotlight: credit card fees

Posted 21 May 2014 | | 0 Comments

BSA Buying Group covers 16 overhead areas and drive up value and reduce total costs in all of them for our clients. This month we focus on one of these, CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES. Read on as we're got some fantastic value to offer you if you join BSA Buying Group...

Banks have had a rough ride over the last few years as businesses struggle to secure lending and having their debt lines squeezed or even removed. Enough is enough! Buying Support Agency (BSA) Buying Group have put together exclusive terms with our hand picked a credit card processing fee broker who can demolish your credit card transaction fees!!

Our partner are the UK's only truly independent organisation in their sector, and provide impartial advice. Whether you wish to accept card payments face to face, over the telephone or via your website, you can benefit from exclusive, preferential rates and ongoing expert advice. CALL NOW (0845 333 4455) for a non-obligation quote.

Now you can accept card payments anytime, anywhere..

BSA Buying Group, through its partner broker specialist, are delighted to offer a state of the art mobile card payment facility to all its Members. The device works alongside an app on your Apple/Android smart phone or tablet to provide a Pay as you go, fully secure, cost effective & simple solution that allows you to accept card payments anytime, anywhere.

Features and Benefits include:

by G Dickinson | 21 May 2014