The Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the UK’s largest procurement
organisation for the public sector, has redesigned its travel and venue booking
service framework, focusing on virtual solutions and carbon net zero opportunities.
The new Travel and Venue Solutions (RM6217) agreement
consolidates two existing commercial agreements – Public Sector Global Travel
and Venue Solutions and Public Sector Travel and Venue Solutions, the latter of
which expires in February 2022.
The framework is used to provide public sector companies, such as central government departments, local authorities, universities, schools, NHS trusts and the third sector, access to services negotiated by CCS.
According to CCS, the bidding process for the new agreement
included a scoring system that saw contracts awarded to suppliers that are
driving innovation in the net zero arena. Bidders were asked to set out how
they will report on CO2 emissions per trip and how they will offer the most
environmentally efficient solution through online booking tools, enabling
customers to make sustainable choices.
Travel and events management company Agiito has been awarded
two “lots” on the framework to provide UK travel booking solutions and
venue-finding and events services.
Meanwhile, Click Travel – owned by TravelPerk – and Clarity
were also chosen to provide UK booking solutions.
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) will provide UK and
overseas booking solutions, while American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)
will provide booking solutions for specialist needs.
Calder Conferences will provide venue and events services
along with Agiito.
Richard Denney, commercial director of the corporate services
pillar at CCS, said: “The new framework provides customers with an end-to-end solution
for all their travel and venue needs, recognising that the UK public sector is
paying more attention than ever to sustainability.
“It is another example of how CCS is working with customers
to help them overcome their net zero challenges and help the UK build back
greener.”
Pat McDonagh, chief executive of Clarity – which has worked with more than 60 CCS buyers since 2015 – said: "We’re delighted to have won a place on this important framework and look forward to working with the CCS to deliver outstanding travel services for government clients.
"We have many years of experience in the sector, a proven track record of delivery and we’re confident that will shine through, offering a brighter approach to business travel to both central government and the wider public sector."
Commenting on Agiito’s placement on the framework, chief
commercial officer Steve Banks said: “We have a longstanding history of
providing our services to the public sector and we’re proud to be able to
continue to do so.”
Vicki Williams, director of sales and implementation at
Click Travel, commented: “CCS is the biggest public procurement organisation in
the UK and we’re exceptionally proud that our market-leading solution has been
recognised to be a chosen travel partner.”
The new framework is now live and will run for up to four
years, according to CCS.