ESPO - celebrating 40 years!

11 Jan 2021 04:22 PM

In 1981, ESPO was born with the goal of driving value-for-money for the public sector. 

2021 sees the celebration of ESPO’s 40 Birthday. Originally formed in 1981 to provide a comprehensive procurement service to member authority councils, ESPO has grown into one of the largest public sector buying organisations in the country, supplying goods and services to over 20,000 customers across the UK.

From the products that fill our schools to the services required for councils to run efficiently; ESPO provide a true one-stop shop solution to all areas of the public sector including education, local authorities, government, NHS, emergency services and the wider public sector.


At our heart is the ESPO catalogue. First published in 1985, it contains over 25,000 products and is still used by thousands of customers today. From our purpose built Warehouse and Head Office based in Leicester, our dedicated team pick, pack and deliver over 35,000 products daily.


Throughout our 40-year history we’ve changed, innovated and expanded, growing our portfolio to meet the needs of our customers. As well as our comprehensive product offering we’ve established a market leading range of over 100 framework solutions providing quick, easy and compliant access to a wide range of goods and services. From Energy to Consultancy services and everything in between, our framework solutions now account for £2.4b worth of public sector spend every year.  

We’re still 100% owned by the public sector, returning any surplus we make back to the public purse to help fund key services.
 

In 2020 ESPO stayed open throughout the Coronavirus pandemic as a key provider to front line workers helping to distribute vital PPE as well as emergency care packages to some our most vulnerable members of society. Going above and beyond for our customers is what we’ve always done and will continue to do. Thank you for being part of our journey!