[United Kingdom, April 2025] – STAR Procurement has extended its partnership with Equity Energies for another two years, ensuring continued energy cost savings and procurement efficiencies for councils in the northwest. The extension follows a successful three-year collaboration that has delivered significant financial benefits and strategic energy management improvements for public sector organisations.

STAR Procurement, a shared procurement service representing Trafford, Stockport, and Rochdale councils, has worked with Equity Energies since 2022 to create an innovative energy procurement basket. This framework has provided councils – that traditionally relied on fixed-price contracts – with access to more flexible procurement strategies, helping them navigate volatile energy markets while reducing costs.

Recent trading performance analysis by Equity Energies’ Risk Team has identified £11.1m cost avoidance in the first 18 months of the contract, demonstrating the significant and continued commercial impact of the partnership.

“With councils across the UK facing immense financial pressures, this partnership is a prime example of how collaboration can drive efficiencies while ensuring each organisation maintains control over its procurement strategy,” said Paul Atherton, Procurement Business Partner at STAR Procurement. “This partnership is enabling smarter energy purchasing and has delivered real value to our members, so we are delighted to continue this work through to 2027.”

By extending the contract, STAR Procurement reaffirms its commitment to securing long-term energy savings for public sector organisations. The current framework serves three councils and includes Borough Care Group, supporting more than 700 sites across the region.

Key services provided by Equity Energies under the agreement include:

  • Energy procurement: Delivering flexible purchasing strategies to ensure cost-effective energy supply.
  • Invoice validation: Ensuring billing accuracy and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
  • Budgeting and sustainability services: Helping councils optimise energy usage and meet Net Zero goals.

Atherton continues: “The extension of this partnership is a testament to the results we’ve achieved together. With Equity Energies’ expertise, we’ve been able to support councils through an incredibly challenging period in the energy market, securing significant financial protection and stability. Ultimately, energy savings means more resources for other essential municipal services like schools, social care, waste management and infrastructure.”

James Rant, Strategic Account Director at Equity Energies, continued: “Our counterparts at STAR Procurement have done an amazing job at driving innovation, thought leadership, and value to their members. In a time of immense uncertainty for energy consumers, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved and look forward to building on this success.”

With public sector organisations under increasing pressure to balance budgets, STAR Procurement’s approach demonstrates how strategic collaboration, and expert guidance, can unlock cost efficiencies while maintaining high levels of service and governance. The extended partnership ensures continued support for councils looking to navigate the evolving energy landscape.

The project has recently been nominated in the Collaborative Procurement Initiative Award – Local Government category at this year’s UK National GO Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements and successes of those involved in the procurement and delivery of the UK’s public services.

-END-

 

About Equity Energies

Equity Energies is changing the way organisations approach energy strategy.

We create energy equity for businesses and organisations by turning their Net Zero ambitions into action which delivers environmental, societal, and commercial value.

For more than 20 years, we’ve been at the forefront of the energy transition and our commitment remains unchanged; to continue to improve the energy model so it’s fit for the future, delivering greater efficiencies, less waste and more sustainable energy.

Our vision is for every organisation in the UK to be advancing on their pathway to Net Zero and beyond and benefiting from the value generated.

We call that energy equity.

Equity Energies is part of FTSE-100 listed DCC Plc.

 

About STAR Procurement

STAR Procurement (STAR) is a collaborative procurement shared service serving six partners across the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region. Initially founded in 2014 by three pioneering partners, it has expanded to six partners by October 2023, now encompassing Knowsley, Rochdale, Stockport, St. Helens, Tameside, and Trafford Councils. This growth reflects our commitment to enhancing procurement efficiency and fostering strong partnerships across the region.

Our Partners:

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Tameside Metropolitan Borough
Rochdale Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council
Knowsley Council
Trafford Council  

We support our partners to achieve their broader corporate priorities, outcomes, and objectives, ensuring that our efforts have a meaningful impact on the communities across the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Regions. Through our collaborative approach, we strive to enhance community well-being and drive positive change in the region. We advocate for the public sector supporting the public sector, and offer a range of services to public sector clients across the UK. By sharing our skills, expertise and success we can help others to maximise the outcomes and efficiencies through procurement and shared services.