FAQs
What does Purchase Manager actually do?
Purchase Manager helps organisations reduce the cost of their indirect expenses—the essential running costs that support the business but don’t generate revenue directly.
What are “indirect expenses”?
Indirect expenses typically include utilities (gas, electricity, water), waste management, telecoms, fuel cards, vehicle leasing, insurance, merchant services, stationery, and compliance-related services.
Who is Purchase Manager best suited to?
We work primarily with SMEs, horse trainers, and lower-league football clubs that want to reduce costs without cutting staff, services, or standards.
How is this different from switching suppliers myself?
We go beyond simple price comparisons. We review contract terms, usage patterns, billing errors, market timing, and supplier performance, not just headline rates.
Do you only look at energy bills?
No. Energy is often a starting point, but we typically review up to 40 categories of spend where long-term savings can be achieved.
How much can we realistically save?
Savings vary, but many clients achieve 10–30% reductions across selected cost categories, depending on contract structure and historic purchasing decisions.
Is there a minimum size business you work with?
There’s no strict minimum, but the service is most effective where an organisation has multiple recurring suppliers and ongoing operating costs.
Does this involve changing all our suppliers?
Not necessarily. In many cases, savings are achieved by renegotiating or correcting existing contracts, rather than switching.
Will this disrupt our day-to-day operations?
No. The process is designed to be low-disruption, with Purchase Manager handling supplier conversations and analysis on your behalf.
How long does the review process take?
An initial review of utilities – gas, water, and electricity – typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the number of suppliers and availability of billing information. We then work on a monthly basis to review and manage savings on wider indirect expenses.
Is the initial review free?
Yes. The initial utility bills audit is free and without obligation, allowing you to see where savings may exist before committing. We then offer a monthly fee to review your other indirect expenses over a 12-month period.
What information do you need from us?
Usually recent invoices, contracts, and basic usage details. We guide you clearly on what’s needed and why.
How does Purchase Manager get paid?
There is no charge for the initial utility bills audit. After that, we work on a monthly fee to review up to 40 other categories of indirect expenses.
Are savings guaranteed?
We never promise savings where none exist. However, if no meaningful opportunities are found, you’re under no obligation to proceed. Over my career, though, I’ve saved my clients more than £27 million!
Do you work with UK-based suppliers only?
We work primarily within the UK supplier market, ensuring compliance with local regulations and industry standards.
Will we still control final decisions?
Absolutely. You always have final approval before any changes are made.
Is this a one-off exercise or ongoing support?
Our services are best suited to horse trainers, lower league football clubs, and a wide range of small & medium-sized businesses that want at least professional support for at least a 12-month period.
Can you work alongside our accountant or finance team?
Yes. We often collaborate with accountants, finance directors, and operations managers to ensure alignment.
Is this suitable for not-for-profit or member-run organisations?
Yes. Many member-led organisations, including sports clubs, benefit from structured and professional procurement oversight.
What’s the next step if we’re interested?
The next step is a short, no-pressure conversation to understand your organisation and confirm whether a utility bills audit makes sense.
Contact us for a free chat on how we can help cut your business costs.
📞 07490 850 850 📧 [email protected]
Book a 15-Minute Procurement Discussion
If you are a Bursar, School Business Manager or Headteacher and would value an independent review of your current supplier arrangements, we invite you to arrange a short introductory conversation.
There is no obligation.
