The Communities and Housing Investment Consortium (CHIC) has announced the launch of a new, enhanced Merchants Framework, designed to support social landlords and registered providers with a compliant and flexible route to procure building materials, merchant services, managed stores and specialist supply solutions across a wide range of responsive repairs, planned investment, compliance and retrofit activities.
Developed in collaboration with members, supply chain partners and Efficiency North, the framework has been created to help address ongoing sector challenges including rising material costs, supply chain reliability, inconsistent pricing and limited visibility of purchasing data. Through benchmarked pricing, strategic supplier partnerships and enhanced reporting capabilities, the framework “supports improved operational efficiency, stronger cost control and more effective long-term asset management outcomes.”
The Merchants Framework provides access to a comprehensive catalogue of materials and components across approved manufacturers and merchants. Members benefit from volume discounts on commonly used products, transparent procurement practices and regular pricing reviews to ensure continued value for money and competitive supply arrangements.
In addition, members receive regular reporting and purchasing analysis to help identify spending trends, improve stock control and explore more cost-effective procurement options. Ordering and supply processes can also be managed through CHIC’s Contract and Order Management System, helping streamline procurement activity, improve reporting visibility and strengthen operational oversight.
Furthermore, the framework also “enables landlords to separate materials procurement from labour delivery, providing greater control over product specification, quality and lifecycle performance while improving cost transparency across projects.” Members can choose between a multi-merchant arrangement, including smaller independent suppliers, or a fully integrated one stop shop approach depending on operational requirements.
Giles Newman, Head of Merchant Services at CHIC, said: “Procurement within the housing sector is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as organisations balance financial pressures, compliance responsibilities and the growing demand for sustainability-focused investment. The Merchants Framework has been designed to give members greater visibility and control across their materials supply chain, while also improving consistency, accountability and value for money.
“By separating materials procurement from labour delivery, members are able to make more strategic decisions around product selection, lifecycle performance and stock management. Combined with enhanced reporting, benchmarked pricing and access to specialist merchant expertise, the framework supports a more intelligent and data-driven approach to asset management that can deliver long-term operational and financial benefits.”
The inclusion of dedicated retrofit materials and waste management Lots is also said to support members’ wider sustainability and decarbonisation objectives by improving access to energy efficiency products, reducing material waste and supporting more informed purchasing decisions.
Members can procure services through mini tenders or direct awards, subject to an approved business case, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in meeting their specific requirements.
For more information on CHIC’s Merchants Framework, visit Communities and Housing Investment Consortium.
CHIC was formed in 2010 and consists of more than 200 member organisations located across the UK. Its mission is to “secure efficiencies and savings for its members’ development and asset management programmes,” providing access to a wide range of contractors, suppliers, merchants and consultants from its frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems.
