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Once again public sector framework provider YPO returns to the NEC sponsoring both the People and Skills stage and the networking cafe. Michelle Walker, Head of Procurement Service and Supply Solutions shares why YPO chooses the show to share its wide offer for the blue lights and what they will be talking to visitors about this year.
What brings you back to the show year after year?
YPO returns to The Emergency Services Show each year because it offers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the emergency services community and demonstrate the positive impact of our procurement expertise across the sector.
With a dedicated emergency services category, we can listen to police, ambulance, fire and rescue, and search and rescue professionals, as well as frontline users, to better understand evolving customer and supplier needs. These conversations help us refine our frameworks, share best practices, and work with key stakeholders to develop innovative, value-for-money solutions that address operational pressures and support frontline delivery.
You are working on a new drone framework. Can you share more about this? – this is very topical at the moment
Drones are a fast-growing area, with public sector organisations using them for everything from inspections and surveying to emergency response and environmental monitoring.
Our new drones framework will provide a compliant route for customers to procure both drones and drone services. It will offer flexibility through competitive and non-competitive procurement options, allowing organisations to choose the approach that best suits their needs.
The key benefit is that customers will be able to set their own requirements and specifications, helping them secure the right solution for their organisation while ensuring value for money and compliance with procurement regulations.
Are you seeing new suppliers coming on to the search and rescue equipment framework?
Yes, we’re continuing to see interest from both existing and new suppliers as technology and operational requirements evolve. The use of drones, in particular, is developing rapidly, and customers need access to a range of suppliers that can meet diverse requirements.
Our Emergency Response and Rescue Equipment framework offers access to a significant range of products and services, giving customers increased flexibility to source the solutions that best meet their operational needs.
With the current framework due to expire next year, it will be replaced by a similar agreement that continues to provide access to a broad and evolving supplier base, ensuring customers can benefit from innovation and choice across the market.
With fleet of the future new at the show this year, what demands are you seeing for fleet services?
We’re seeing increasing demand for services that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and support the transition to more sustainable vehicles. There’s a particular focus on EV infrastructure, vehicle uptime, preventative maintenance, telematics and data-driven fleet management. fleets are looking for more flexible and proactive service models. It’s no longer just about maintaining vehicles; it’s about having the right support, technology and insight to keep vehicles on the road, managing the total cost of ownership.
Decontaminating PPE is hugely important, are you seeing innovation in the laundry and decon space?
Decontaminating PPE is increasingly important, particularly as fire and rescue services face growing challenges such as wildfires and other high-risk incidents. Innovation in the laundry and decontamination sector is helping services keep personnel safe, with advances in cleaning equipment, contamination management and PPE maintenance supporting faster turnaround times and improved operational readiness.
The Emergency Response and Rescue DPS enables customers to procure a wide range of equipment and solutions to support these requirements. This includes products that can assist with the management of wildfires, which have presented significant challenges this year.
As no specific equipment specifications are prescribed within the DPS, customers have the flexibility to define their own requirements, maintain consistency with existing systems and ensure personnel are equipped with the most appropriate solutions to remain ready for duty and perform their roles effectively.
As sponsor of the People & Skills stage again this year, what will you be sharing with our visitors during your session?
We are delighted to sponsor the People & Skills stage again this year. During our session, we will explore the current procurement landscape for emergency services and what it means for both procurement professionals and the frontline teams and operational end users who rely on the goods and services they secure.
We will offer thought leadership on how teams can respond to resource and capacity pressures, build capability when training budgets are limited, and make specification writing simpler, clearer, and more robust. We will also consider how services can remain agile and compliant when responding to seasonal demand, major incidents and global events that disrupt supply chains.
Throughout, the focus will be on practical approaches that strengthen collaboration between procurement and end users, improve value and resilience, and deliver timely, safe and effective outcomes. We will conclude our session by sharing one key piece of advice to help both buyers and end-user visitors achieve better results.
You are also sponsoring our Networking cafe, what are your tips for visitors for making the most of the space and getting the most out of the day?
We are pleased to also sponsor the Networking Café at the Emergency Services Show. Our advice to visitors is to plan a few priority conversations in advance but also leave time for unexpected connections. Come prepared with the operational or procurement challenge you want to solve and use the café as an informal setting to exchange ideas, learn from peers and speak to YPO’s team of 21 experts.
Our specialists cover emergency services, insurance, fleet, furniture, apprenticeships and other key areas, alongside our Strategic Procurement Managers. Whether visitors are looking to make limited budgets go further, improve resourcing, access compliant procurement routes or identify solutions that support frontline delivery, the YPO team will be on hand to offer practical insight and help identify the right next steps.
YPO is a premier partner of The Emergency Services Show. You can meet the team at the Networking cafe and enjoy the packed programme of CPD accredited learning in the People & Skills stage. Last chance to register to attend here.
