How We Operate

With our combined Membership numbers, we are able to develop strong negotiating powers with our preferred suppliers. This gives better terms and discounts for our Members. For certain commodities we also negotiate extended payment terms, especially where usage is seasonal. These offers are communicated to the Membership via our monthly newsletter, website or text messaging service.

Members can either liaise directly with the office or with suppliers for their requirements.

Suppliers record your Membership details for all orders and send invoices to the Ouse & Cherwell Office for processing

Each invoice is coded by commodity type which can help you in assigning the expense to the relevant cost centre.

A monthly statement is produced and sent to Members by post (and email) together with all the original invoices and credit notes for the previous month’s transactions. No levy is added to the invoices by the Group and payment is taken by direct debit.

Members are charged a monthly subscription within their statement.

We produce a monthly newsletter which is either emailed or distributed with the statements giving details of best buys, new suppliers, market trends and other relevant information.

New Members receive our list of suppliers which includes both local and national companies. Up-to-date lists are always available from the website. We are constantly reviewing our supply base and welcome suggestions from Members for new suppliers and if commercial terms are agreed, will add these to the list.

Topical and subject focused Members meetings are held where Members are invited to listen to industry experts speak on topical matters.

A mobile phone text messaging service is operated from the Office to the Members when supplier offers require a same day response.

All information is continually updated on the website.