NWUPC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
Step Right Up FOLKS! Discover the thrills of smarter procurement at the Greatest Show on Earth!
In town for 1 day only, it's the NWUPC Annual Conference 2025!!!
From juggling budgets to taming risks, let NWUPC be your Procurement Ringmaster at the University of Liverpool on Wednesday the 4th of June 2025.
NWUPC Full and Associate Members can register their free place here!!
Why attend?
✨ Unbeatable Networking Opportunities – Connect with procurement teams from across our Member institutions and grow your professional circle.
✨ Engaging Speakers: Thought leaders and experts will delve into the latest trends and challenges in procurement. With Free CPD Workshops throughout the day level up your skills with engaging sessions designed to boost your skills and knowledge in procurement.
✨ Supplier Exhibition: Explore solutions and services from a diverse range of suppliers, all designed to support the unique needs of higher education.
A full overview is available here. We have carefully designed a programme of sessions tailored to the interests and needs of our members. Below is a summary of each session.
🔹 Keynote Panel Discussion: Procurement Act 2023 – Where Are We Now?
Join a panel of procurement experts as they discuss the real-world impact of the Procurement Act 2023, sharing practical advice and strategies for success.
🔹 Procurement’s Blind Spots: Market Concentration and Supplier Diversity
Professor Jo Meehan, University of Liverpool, explores how market concentration impacts procurement strategies and how institutions can promote supplier diversity.
🔹 Suppliers and Sustainability in HE: 10 Years of Impact and Engagement
Sheri-Leigh Miles, Director of NETpositive Futures, examines the evolving role of sustainability in procurement and its impact on supplier engagement.
🔹 Leveraging Procurement for Good: Driving Social Responsibility
Kate Sullivan, Director of Affiliate Engagement at Electronics Watch, discusses responsible procurement and how institutions can drive meaningful social change.
🔹 Shaping the Commercial Future of Procurement in Higher Education Gemma Waring, Senior Consultant at PASS Procurement. Gain insights into emerging trends and strategies shaping the future of procurement in HE.
🔹 Transformation and Efficiency in Higher Education - Ed Castell, Head of Strategy and Insight, Universities UK will look at a new era of collaboration that is reshaping UK higher education, exploring bold solutions for sector-wide cost savings and innovation. Hear insights on financial challenges, sector-wide transformation, and the role of procurement in driving efficiency
🔹 5 Habits for Using the Power and Connection of Kindness at Work and Beyond Sarah Browning, Time for Kindness Programme. Discover how fostering a culture of kindness can enhance workplace engagement and procurement relationships.
🔹 Unlocking the Procurement Act for Suppliers – Join the NWUPC team for an exclusive session designed specifically for exhibitors at #NWUPC25. Providing crucial insights into how the Procurement Act 2023 will shape procurement decisions in the HE and public sectors.
Follow us on social media and join the conversation using #NWUPC25.
NWUPC Full and Associate Members can register their place now!
Save the date, and we’ll see you there!
Supplier Exhibition
The NWUPC Annual Conference Exhibition Tent is Now Full - so get ready for the main event! !
The floorplan represents the NWUPC Category Groups our exhibitors are on. Some are on multiple categories which will be represented in the full programme which will be out shortly.
Delegate Information
Prepare to connect with a diverse group of attendees and enjoy the energy of this unique venue. We look forward to welcoming you to Mountford Hall, where meaningful connections and inspiring conversations await!
We can't wait to welcome you to the Conference at Mountford Hall, Liverpool!
Join us at the vibrant Mountford Hall in the Guild of Students, located in the heart of Liverpool. This iconic venue, part of the University of Liverpool, is perfectly suited for Members for an engaging and inspiring conference experience.
Venue Details:
Mountford Hall, Guild of Students
160 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TR.
- Find your way with the University Campus Map: Building 206 / Grid Reference: D6 on the University Map.
Directions & Navigation:
Road: The city is easily reached via the M58, M56 and M62. Parking - We recommend Paddington Village Multi-Storey Car Park which is only a few minutes walk from Mountford Hall. The address for the car park is Elm Grove, Liverpool, L7 3FA.
Rail: 10-15 minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station. Leave through the station’s main exit and turn left into Lime Street. Turn left again at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel and continue up Brownlow Hill.
Air: Liverpool John Lennon Airport – take a taxi or express bus directly outside the entrance to the airport. You can get buses 500, 86, 80A and 82A into the city centre.
Manchester Airport, - take a train from the airport to Liverpool Lime Street. There is also a direct coach service which takes about 1 hour.
Discounted accommodation at NOVOTEL Liverpool
Why not make the most of your time at the NWUPC Annual Conference by staying over in Liverpool the night before? Enjoy the convenience of being just a few minutes' walk from the conference venue, and take advantage of an exclusive discounted rate for NWUPC Members and Associates—only £115 for Bed & Breakfast. It's the perfect way to start the day refreshed and ready for all the conference has to offer! Details will be shared once you are registered.