A NEW concept in procurement has been launched which aims to help motor retailers cut their costs.

Smart Procurement Ltd has been set up by Seaham-based David Hall, who has spent the last 10 years in senior procurement roles with Inchcape Retail and Jardine Motors Group.

Smart Procurement specialises in contract negotiation and management for commodities such as oil, tyre programmes, workshop installation, workshop equipment, bodyshop paint, bodyshop and workshop consumables and hazardous waste services.

The company also has expertise in procurement support for utilities, telephony, stationery, print and office equipment.

Managing director Hall said: “During economically challenging times it is critical for retailers to lower operating costs by achieving cost savings on overheads and commodities contracts.

“Smart Procurement works differently by working exclusively for clients to improve their operating profits and reduce overall cost bases. We don’t get paid by the supplier and the client pays nothing up front.

“Our model is based on achieving contract savings, with any savings allocated at an agreed level between the client and Smart Procurement.

“We can also provide bespoke procurement support, dealing with problem contracts, SLAs that are not working, and provide short-term remedies and long-term solutions to issues, allowing retailers to focus on their core business of selling units or workshop hours.”

David Hall has 20 years of procurement experience, most recently at Inchcape Retail, where he was procurement, manager for seven years.

He was previously a senior buyer with Jardine Motors, and spent 10 years as a procurement professional in the utilities sector with Northern Electric plc.