Procurement

The Procurement team supports LSTM in purchasing goods and services in a smart and responsible way. Our aim is to achieve value for money while following LSTM procedures and recognised procurement practices.

Information for suppliers

How we buy

Each department holds its own budget and is responsible for purchasing goods and services in line with procurement procedures.

In addition to LSTM’s Financial Regulations, we follow UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.

Where goods or services are not covered by an existing contract, the following thresholds apply (all values include VAT):

  • Under £10,000 – Departments should purchase based on best value for money.
  • £10,000 to £50,000 – A quotation exercise should be carried out, with at least three quotes obtained.
  • Over £50,000 – The Procurement team will advise on the best approach. This may include a formal tender process, particularly for specialist equipment, services, or large projects.

All tender opportunities are advertised through:

Framework agreements

LSTM is a member of the North West Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC). This provides access to a range of regional and national contracts and frameworks.

We may also use other frameworks available to the higher education sector.

Grant funding

Where purchases are funded by grants, procurement requirements may vary in line with funder conditions.

Terms and conditions

All orders are subject to:

  • LSTM’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase
  • Any additional terms agreed during a tender process
  • The terms of any framework agreement used

Code of conduct

Our commitment to responsible procurement

We are committed to ensuring procurement is:

  • Environmentally sustainable
  • Socially responsible
  • Ethical
  • Economically sound

We ask all suppliers to support responsible and sustainable procurement within their organisations.

This includes confirming compliance with the SUSTAIN Supply Chain Code of Conduct, which sets out standards for ethical and sustainable practices across the supply chain.

Becoming a supplier

Suppliers who wish to work with LSTM are encouraged to:

  • Respond to tender opportunities advertised by LSTM
  • Join frameworks or consortia agreements used by LSTM

For low-value, ad hoc purchases, departments may request a new supplier.

  • Requests must be submitted internally by LSTM
  • Suppliers cannot request to be set up directly
  • Suppliers may be asked to provide supporting documentation, such as confirmation of details and bank information

Once a supplier is set up:

  • A purchase order (PO) will be issued
  • Goods or services should only be provided once a valid PO is in place

No PO, No Pay

Invoices will not be paid without a valid purchase order number.

Information for existing suppliers

Invoices

Please send all invoices to: invoices@lstmed.ac.uk

For queries about outstanding invoices, contact: finance@lstmed.ac.uk

Updating your details

For any amendments to your supplier record, contact: purchasing@lstmed.ac.uk

Payments

Payments are made via BACS on Wednesdays.

Standard payment terms are 30 days from invoice date.

Contact us

Internal queries

Please contact us via the Service Desk

External queries

Email: purchasing@lstmed.ac.uk