Inspiring Leaders appoint Crescent Purchasing Consortium to launch innovative procurement support service for Multi-Academy Trusts

Inspiring Leaders is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Crescent Purchasing Consortium to unveil a transformative programme designed to empower multi-academy trusts (MATs) to achieve financial sustainability through smarter, more collaborative procurement practices.

Inspiring Leaders is a regional provider of strategic support and professional development for educational leaders across schools and MATs in the East Midlands, helping them achieve excellence in operational and educational outcomes.

Through innovative programmes and partnerships, Inspiring Leaders empowers trusts to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving education landscape.

This new partnership, developed in collaboration with Crescent Purchasing Consortium, offers a comprehensive solution for MATs seeking to enhance their procurement strategies.

Crescent Purchasing Consortium is a trusted procurement partner for the education sector, offering a comprehensive range of compliant frameworks with several approved by the Department of Education and procurement solutions tailored to the unique needs of schools, colleges, and MATs.

Darren Lowe, Managing Director of the CPC said, “We are delighted to be part of this new partnership which will provide a unique opportunity to share our impressive portfolio of services in collaboration with ‘Inspiring Leaders and MATs in the East Midlands. The CPC is a one stop procurement shop, and this appointment takes us a step closer to realising our vision statement to become the procurement services partner of choice for the education sector and through our work, help the sector to enhance teaching and learning.

The CPC has already created a community of over 10,000 members across the education sector. Within the community, CPC assist members to drive innovation, share best practice and maximise the benefits of compliant procurement. This new partnership will act as an enabler to take Inspiring Leaders collaborative efforts to the next level to pave the way for our next generation of future leaders.”

A number of forward-thinking multi-academy trusts within the Inspiring Leaders network have already signed up to the procurement partnership, demonstrating their commitment to financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

By collaborating within this innovative framework, these trusts will focus on driving cost savings, sharing best practices, and enhancing their procurement capabilities.

James Brown, Managing Director of Inspiring Leaders, expresses his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising its importance for the education sector, “Projects like this showcase the strength of MATs collaborating with shared goals. The formation of this partnership highlights that multi-academy trusts can unite for the public good and work together on critical initiatives when the conditions are favourable.

I am thrilled to collaborate with Crescent Purchasing Consortium on this project and am confident that it will ensure more funds are available for school leaders and teachers to invest in educating our pupils.”

This new partnership will empower MATs to explore collaborative purchasing, comply with procurement regulations, and builds internal expertise through tailored training.

This collective action underscores the power of partnership in addressing the unique challenges of the education sector and securing long-term benefits for students and staff alike.