Manchester-based Procure Plus uses its profits to help people from disadvantaged communities back into work
Procure Plus has announced that in 2023-24, it supported 744 people into sustainable employment as part of its social value activity.
The scheme, which helps people such as ex-offenders who have become distant from the labour market has previously been honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Of the 744 people helped by Procure Plus, an impressive 89% remained in their jobs for at least three months.
The Manchester-based business, which was set up by housing associations, provides the social housing sector with market-leading procurement services and advice. In the last financial year, this helped landlords to deliver £29m of savings, with no compromise on quality.
The figures were announced in the company’s 2023-24 Value for Money report, which also revealed that spending through its services hit £208 million – up £36.8m on the previous year.
Operating on a not-for-profit basis, Procure Plus uses the surpluses generated from the procurement business to train and develop people, using a range of support mechanisms and working with local communities.
Procure Plus provided £663,900 to 50 local community and voluntary organisations within client neighbourhoods; a £50,000 increase on last year. In addition to its own contribution, Procure Plus also secured nearly £780,000 in external funding to support its social value activities.
Employer engagement also saw a significant rise, with 409 employers providing employment opportunities for candidates, compared to 91 employers in 2023.
This increase shows a growing recognition in the construction industry of the importance of actively helping individuals into sectors they might otherwise be left out of – something Procure Plus is passionate about.
Close to 500 individuals participated in courses designed to prepare them for employment in the construction industry. These courses are specifically targeted at those from client areas, helping them gain the skills needed for a successful career in a growing sector.
Gwen Beeken, Managing Director at Procure Plus said:
“By leveraging sophisticated market analysis and our collective buying power, we ensure that quality products are purchased, and significant improvement programs are delivered. It’s this model that has enabled us to save landlords £29 million in the last year, with no reduction in quality or service.
“But our purpose extends beyond delivering financial savings for our clients; we strive to create meaningful opportunities and improvements to the lives of individuals and their communities.
“We are delighted to see these efforts translating into tangible social value benefits, marking an improvement over last year’s result. Behind the numbers are hundreds of individual stories of people turning their lives around by securing really exciting opportunities in highly-skilled roles.”
For more information on Procure Plus visit www.procure-plus.com
