You’re already part of a framework, but are you making the most of it?

Frameworks set up by organisations like ESPO, LASER, GCA, YPO and NEPO are designed to simplify procurement.

They give you fast, compliant access to a pool of pre-approved suppliers, so you can buy with confidence without running a full tender every time.

But many organisations only scratch the surface – often defaulting to a familiar supplier instead of exploring what’s available within the framework.

Here’s how to ensure you’re getting the most from your framework agreement.

1. Explore what’s already there

One of the most common pitfalls is sticking with the same supplier simply because they’re already in place.

Frameworks are set up to give you choice. If you’re not reviewing that choice, you could be missing out on better value, service or capability.

What this can lead to:

• Paying more than you need to
• Missing improvements in service or performance
• Falling behind in fast-moving areas like data and metering

When should you review suppliers?

• At renewal or contract milestones
• When regulations change (e.g. MHHS)
• If performance isn’t meeting expectations
• When your needs evolve

2. Use the flexibility built into frameworks

Frameworks aren’t static. They’re designed to help you adapt without having to start procurement from scratch.

Depending on the agreement, you can:

• Run a mini-competition between suppliers on the framework
• Use direct award where appropriate
• Refine your requirements to reflect your current needs

This is particularly valuable in areas like energy data and metering, where requirements are shifting quickly under MHHS.

Being on a framework means you’ve already done the hard part – now it’s about using that flexibility to improve outcomes.

3. Don’t just focus on compliance

Frameworks make procurement easier, but the real value comes from what you achieve after award.

That means looking beyond price and considering:

• Data accuracy and availability
• Reporting and compliance capability
• Ease of integration with existing systems
• Long-term scalability

For example, in energy and metering:

• Do you have access to Half Hourly data?
• Is your current setup MHHS-ready?
• Are you relying on manual processes or fragmented data?

Exploring suppliers within your framework can unlock better ways of working, not just cheaper ones.

4. Choose the right supplier within the framework

A common misconception is that frameworks limit your options.

In reality, they do the opposite.

Frameworks include multiple pre-approved suppliers, giving you the ability to:

• Compare approaches
• Evaluate service quality
• Choose the best fit for your organisation

With 45 years of expertise in energy data, Stark helps organisations move beyond basic procurement to achieve accurate, compliant and insight-driven energy management.

Make your framework work harder

Your framework agreement is an opportunity to:

• Reassess your suppliers
• Improve service delivery
• Stay compliant with evolving regulations
• Unlock better data and insights

If you haven’t reviewed how you’re using your framework recently, now is the time. Especially with MHHS and data requirements increasing pressure on existing setups.