FROM:Tim Howard - Corporate Procurement Unit

Telephone Systems

ESPO have just re-let the contract for telephone systems (reference 393A). The new contract covers the full range of phone systems at the smaller end of the market - from just two or three internal handsets all the way up to 100 extensions.

Each of the following suppliers has been carefully selected by ESPO to provide the best mix of value and quality.

	NextiraOne		Daly Systems		Sicon Ltd

In addition to providing best value, customers who use the contract have the peace of mind that they are using an approved supplier and have the protection of a fully tendered arrangement put in place by specialists in this field.

It's worth noting also that purchasing through ESPO waives the need to apply Contract Standing Orders. These usually include the need to obtain competitive quotations.

We are aware that there are a number of alternative suppliers operating in Norfolk offering contracts for telephone systems typically based on long-term hire agreements. We would always recommend that before committing your school to such contracts you should at the very least assess all the costs entailed, the suitability of the equipment and services to be provided and termination options. The terms & conditions may be written in favour of the supplier and finance company rather than you as a customer, so if in any doubt as to these or any other issues you should consider taking legal advice.

If you are in the market for a telephone system, and require impartial guidance on products and suppliers suitable for your establishment, please contact either of the following:

	Helen Clarke		ESPO		0116 2657972
	Tim Howard		NCC Corporate Procurement Unit		01603 222820