Refurbishment of the Dining Area at NOC Liverpool (Furniture)

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) As part of the ongoing refurbishment of the Dining Area at the Liverpool Site, we are proposing a full upgrade of the existing furniture and tables. This initiative is driven by the need to create a more professional, functional, and future-ready environment for both staff and visitors. The current layout and furnishings no longer meet the evolving needs of our workforce, particularly in terms of space efficiency, comfort, and capacity. All staff have been communicated to and engaged across this process to have their say before delivery. Background: The current space was created from day 1, and the internal furniture has not been updated since its inception. The furniture is now visibly outdated, no longer aligns with the professional image NOC wishes to project and fails to meet updated ergonomic and regulatory requirements, as well as increased usage needs. Rationale for Single Supplier Selection: To fulfill the furniture requirements for this project, NOC proposes employing A&A Business Supplies (A&A), a local company based within two miles of the Southampton site. The rationale for selecting A&A as a single supplier is outlined below: 1. Range and Flexibility: A&A is an independent company with access to a broad range of furniture suppliers, offering extensive styles, colours, and configurations. This flexibility ensures that NOC's diverse furniture requirements can be met effectively and efficiently. 2. Standardisation: The NOC Estate Transformation project aims to establish a standardised selection of furniture across all areas of the site. Working with a single supplier like A&A ensures consistency, enhancing the professional aesthetic and functional alignment throughout the organization. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: A&A offers solutions that eliminate storage fees, mitigating risks associated with supply chain delays. A cost comparison conducted over the past year between A&A and a nominated framework supplier, revealed that A&A provides comparable furniture at a lower overall cost. 4. Proven Track Record: Over the past four years, A&A has consistently delivered excellent service to NOC, demonstrating flexibility in delivery dates and storage, and providing a responsive and reliable after-sales service. Their average response time for addressing issues is within 24 hours. 5. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: A&A aligns with NOC's Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategy by offering a lower carbon footprint due to their locality and a furniture recycling scheme. This initiative allows old or broken furniture to be dismantled into component parts and recycled, with certification provided for the carbon saved. 6. Quality and Compliance: A&A holds ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications, ensuring their adherence to high-quality standards and environmental responsibility. Market Analysis: A cost comparison conducted over the past year between A&A and a nominated framework supplier, demonstrated A&A's cost competitiveness. The analysis confirms that A&A offers comparable furniture at a lower overall cost.