Thank you for joining us at the NWUPC Annual Conference 2026!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our members, speakers, and exhibitors who attended the NWUPC Annual Conference 2026 on Wednesday, 17th June at the University of Liverpool. This year’s event brought together procurement professionals from across the sector for a dynamic day of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and forward thinking discussion. With a full programme of expert speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and an engaging supplier exhibition - the conference provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of procurement in higher education.
It was a pleasure to see so many of you take part in networking sessions, share your experiences, and contribute to the lively conversations throughout the day. Your enthusiasm and participation made the event a real success.
We hope the conference left you inspired, informed, and better connected with colleagues across the sector. Stay tuned for further updates, resources, and highlights from the day, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year!
We opened the conference with a warm welcome from Julie-Ann Garton, NWUPC's Managing Director and NWUPC Chair, Stephen Dauncey.
We thanked Dr Matthew Storey, Delivery Manager for Core Infrastructure at Lancaster University, for all his hard work in procurement, recognising his exceptional leadership, commitment to collaborative working, and significant contributions to the success of NWUPC Category Groups with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Collaboration - NWUPC Category Groups.
We were also delighted to present Adrian Davies, Procurement Manager at the University of Chester, with the Outstanding Contribution to Collaboration - NWUPC HoP Community Award, recognising his dedication, commitment and continued contribution to strengthening collaboration across the NWUPC Heads of Procurement community.
With a packed day of workshops and keynotes you can find contact details and downloadable slide packs from our speakers below.
Opening Keynote - Heard, Trusted, Valued: Building Influence Without Authority
Kicking off the day was Laura Sellers MCIPS, Founder of Coaching for Procurement, with an inspiring keynote on Heard, Trusted, Valued: Building Influence Without Authority.
Laura explored why influence has become one of Procurement’s most valuable leadership skills, sharing practical strategies for building trust, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and positioning Procurement as a true strategic partner. Her session left delegates with a fresh perspective on creating impact through communication, confidence, and collaboration.
You can find contact details for Laura and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Next Steps for Transformation and Efficiency
Miriam Deakin, Director of Strategy, Insight and Member Engagement at Universities UK, explored the next steps for transformation and efficiency across the higher education sector.
Reflecting on the recommendations of Universities UK's Transformation and Efficiency Taskforce, Miriam provided an update on the progress being made across the sector and highlighted the key asks of government. Her session encouraged attendees to consider the actions being taken within their own institutions while exploring where greater collaboration could unlock further efficiencies and drive meaningful sector-wide change.
You can find contact details for Miriam and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Procurement as a Catalyst for Net Zero:
Driving Scope 3 Change at Lancaster University
Next up was the Lancaster University Sustainability Team, who demonstrated how procurement can be a powerful catalyst for achieving Net Zero and driving meaningful Scope 3 emissions reductions.
Sharing their journey from setting one of the higher education sector’s first Scope 3 targets to embedding sustainability into everyday procurement practices, the team highlighted the importance of supplier and staff engagement in delivering lasting change. Their session showcased innovative tools and practical approaches that are helping to turn ambitious sustainability goals into measurable action.
You can find contact details for the Lancaster Team and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Retention, Upskilling and Engagement: Strengthening Procurement Teams in HE
Taking to the stage, Hannah Quinn-Hill and Laura Marshall, Michael Page, explored the key ingredients for building strong, sustainable procurement teams.
Focusing on retention, upskilling and engagement, they discussed the importance of creating workplaces where people feel supported, valued and empowered to grow. Their session offered practical insights into developing capable, motivated teams and highlighted how investing in people can strengthen procurement’s strategic role across Higher Education.
You can find contact details for Hannah and Laura and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Laboratory Sustainability and LEAF
Jenna Lowe, Laboratory Sustainability Officer at the University of Liverpool, explored the role of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) in driving more sustainable research environments.
Drawing on her experience of implementing and managing LEAF across the University of Liverpool, Jenna shared practical insights into reducing the environmental impact of laboratory operations while embedding sustainable practices into day-to-day activities. Her session highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of delivering meaningful change, demonstrating how structured frameworks can support long-term sustainability goals.
You can find contact details for Jenna and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Keynote Panel Discussion: Procurement Act 2023 – From Cost Centre to Value Creator: Rethinking Procurement in HE.
We headed into the afternoon of NWUPC26 with a dynamic and engaging panel discussion hosted by Julie-Ann Garton, Managing Director at NWUPC. Joined by three leading voices in procurement, the panel explored how the profession can move beyond traditional processes and become a true driver of strategic value within Higher Education.
Featuring;
- Patricia McDermott, Director of Procurement at the University of Liverpool.
- Adrian Davies, Procurement Manager at University of Chester.
- Kieran McGaughey, Consultant Solicitor and Procurement Law Trainer.
Providing practical examples and honest reflections, this lively debate explored what it really means to raise your commercial game, demonstrating how procurement professionals and teams can strengthen their strategic influence, enhance their negotiation skills and create lasting value across their institutions.
It was an insightful discussion packed with practical takeaways, leaving delegates with fresh ideas to take back to their own institutions.
Legal Insights Post-Procurement Act: The Power of Procurement in Action
Kieran McGaughey, Consultant Solicitor and Procurement Law Trainer, delivered a practical and forward-looking update on the Procurement Act 2023 and its impact across Higher Education.
Moving beyond the theory, Kieran explored what implementation looks like in practice, highlighting key pressure points, emerging risks and the areas procurement teams should be focusing on as the new regime becomes business as usual. His session offered valuable legal insights and practical guidance to help delegates strengthen compliance, improve governance and maximise the opportunities presented by the Act.
You can find contact details for Kieran and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution: The Future of Work, AI and You…
Closing the day was Dan Södergren, AI and Tech Expert, with an inspiring keynote on The Fifth Industrial Revolution: The Future of Work, AI and You.
Challenging delegates to look beyond automation and efficiency, Dan explored how AI is reshaping the way we work, think and collaborate. Blending expert insight with thought-provoking ideas, he demonstrated how human creativity, purpose and technology can work together to drive innovation and create more meaningful, value-driven organisations. It was a fascinating and fitting conclusion to a day focused on embracing change and looking ahead to the future of procurement.
Unfortunately, Dan's slides are not available to share to the wider public.
Maximising the value of Framework Agreements & Contract Management
Shelley Watson and Dominique Deveroux of NWUPC shared practical guidance on getting the most from framework agreements and effective contract management.
Covering the procurement process from calling off frameworks and running mini competitions to avoiding common pitfalls and forming contracts, their session provided valuable insights for both new starters and experienced professionals. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with peers and share experiences from across the sector.
You can find contact details for Shelley and Dominique and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Maximising Value Through Effective Contract Management for NWUPC Members
Dave Yates, NWUPC’s Sustainable Relationships Manager, explored how effective contract management can maximise long-term value from procurement activity.
Through practical examples and expert insight, Dave highlighted the importance of supplier performance, relationship management, risk mitigation and continuous improvement in delivering successful contracts. His session provided delegates with practical approaches to managing contracts more strategically, helping institutions strengthen supplier partnerships and achieve their organisational objectives.
You can find contact details for Dave and a downloadable slide deck from the session here.
Our fabulous exhibition!
The NWUPC Annual Conference 2026 was more than just an event — it was an opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage directly with key framework suppliers. Through the exhibition area members were also able to connect with fellow procurement professionals from across the sector. The conference offered a unique platform to explore innovations, share best practices, and strengthen professional networks.
A special thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Academia, for their generous support and continued commitment to the Higher Education Procurement Community.
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