2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Central Buying Consortium. Originally formed to collectively purchase items for their store’s operations, the group has evolved as the role of procurement in local government has expanded.  It now fosters collaboration and shared learning between the 22 member authorities covering 24% of the population of England and helps influence the procurement approach across the local authority sector. There are ten working groups covering key spend categories and cross cutting themes like social value, climate action and contract management. 

We also provide free in-house training events for members covering a variety of relevant topics for procurement professionals that both promotes shared learning and avoids the cost to member authorities.

Member authorities are all county council or unitary authorities based in the southern half of England and the Midlands bringing together over 300 procurement professionals to share knowledge and learning. If you would like to learn more about CBC, please email Paul White on visit the CBC website.