Since being appointed by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) to deliver the Buying Better Food and Drink framework, Entegra has helped public sector organisations nationwide unlock more than cost savings alone. While many organisations achieve average savings of 10%, the framework also supports wider priorities including social value delivery, sustainability goals and operational resilience across schools, hospitals and other public services.

We spoke to Karen Beech, Commercial Lead – Food Category at the GCA, about transparency, local supply chains and why flexibility matters more than ever in public sector procurement.
 

What’s been the most rewarding part of seeing the framework develop?

Seeing the impact that it’s having in the areas that need support most.

Schools are already reinvesting savings into kitchen upgrades and digital equipment to support student-learning, demonstrating the tangible impact the framework can deliver. Across hospital trusts, there is also clear potential for savings to be redirected towards frontline services.

When we first developed the framework, the goal was to create greater transparency across the supply chain so organisations could better understand where money was being spent and where value could be created. Seeing that happen in practice has been incredibly rewarding.
 

Has anything surprised you since the framework launched?

The scale of opportunity for local suppliers.

Originally, we expected suppliers to come into the framework through individual product lines, but what we’re seeing now is local suppliers delivering full baskets of goods directly into schools and public sector sites.

That creates much greater opportunity for regional suppliers to grow within the public sector supply chain while still giving buyers flexibility and choice.
 

Transparency is a major focus for public sector organisations. Why is that so important?

Organisations want clearer visibility over spend, supplier performance and where products are coming from. That’s become increasingly important.

The framework gives buyers access to reporting, supplier oversight and ongoing support that helps them make informed decisions much more easily. Simpler, faster, better is something we talk about a lot because operational teams need solutions that are practical and manageable day to day.

One of the biggest surprises for me has also been seeing how relatively small purchasing changes can make a genuine difference in areas like sustainability and animal welfare without putting additional pressure on budgets.
 

Social value was built into the framework from the start. How does that work in practice?

It matters because these are real communities.

Customers can continue working with a trusted local SME supplier where they meet the required compliance standards. Where suppliers are not yet eligible, Entegra works closely with them to help them understand what they need to do to become compliant in the future.

That support helps create stronger local supply chains over time while opening up opportunities for smaller businesses to access the public sector market.
 

What do you think the biggest misconception about the framework still is?

Probably the idea that it’s a single supplier framework.

In reality, with Entegra’s support, organisations can build a supply chain around their own priorities, whether that’s sustainability, quality, budget management or reducing food miles. Some use one supplier. Others use multiple suppliers across different categories.

Once people understand how flexible it is, the reaction is usually, “I didn’t realise it worked like that.”
 

What’s next for the framework?

There’s still a huge opportunity ahead.

We’re already seeing the difference this approach can make across schools, hospitals and local communities. As more organisations look for transparency, flexibility and long-term value within their supply chains, there’s a real opportunity to keep building on that momentum.

To find out more about The Buying Better Food and Drink framework and how Entegra supports public sector organisations through procurement and supply chain management, visit www.entegraps.uk/ukgca