Government lists consultancies on Leasing Advisory Services framework
The Crown Commercial Service has named two suppliers for its Leasing Advisory Framework. Grant Thornton and Unilink Finance have been awarded places to provide advisory support to public sector organisations purchasing assets under leasing arrangements.
As an executive agency, sponsored by the Cabinet Office, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) brings together policy, advice and direct buying; providing commercial services to the public sector and saving money for the taxpayer. In 2019/20, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits worth more than £1 billion.
CCS's operations break down into framework agreements, which are a set of pre-tendered with a range of suppliers from which public sector customers can purchase goods and services. The latest of these is the Leasing Advisory Framework – aimed at giving public sector customers access to leasing advisory services such as specialist advice on leasing options, asset classes, and saving initiatives. The framework will help public sector organisations get the best value for their money from leasing arrangements, including for construction, heavy machinery, medical, education and transportation equipment.
The first lot for the framework runs until January 2024, and according to the CCS website, now features two professional services firms. Following a competitive process, Grant Thornton and Unilink Finance have been awarded the status of suppliers on the framework, and will offer advice on the end-to-end procurement of large assets.
Taylor Ferguson, Head of Leasing Advisory Services at Grant Thornton UK, said, “We’re committed to supporting the public sector through the frameworks on offer by CCS. As a named supplier on the new leasing advisory framework, we will provide expert advice and guidance, specifically around the end-to-end procurement of leases. Being part of this new framework allows us to build on our extensive track record as a leading adviser on asset finance to our country’s public services and provide critical support as the sector continues to navigate an uncertain operating environment.”
Grant Thornton is already a supplier on three other CCS frameworks including the Management Consultancy framework and Corporate Finance Services 2 framework. Meanwhile, Unilink Finance has been providing a lease advisory service to the NHS since 1995 – with its advisory service currently used by NHS Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Ambulance Trusts.
