From its state-of-the-art production sites in Huddersfield, Glasgow and Leicester, the business handles the critical communications for more than 100 local authorities, as well as key NHS departments.

Adare SEC is the trusted partner for highly secure communications such as revenues and benefits and electoral documentation, along with the volume of essential everyday communications that flow between authorities and citizens.

Crown Commercial Service RM6280 Postal Services and Solutions Framework
Recently, the company’s standing as a supplier to the sector was further boosted after it was named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service RM6280 Postal Services and Solutions Framework. This new framework award recognises the company’s expertise across an increased scope of solutions, covering:

• Lot 5 Business Process Outsourcing, Mailroom, Document and Data Managed Services
• Lot 6 Hybrid Mail, Digital and Transformational Communications
• Lot 7 Inbound Delivery, Mail Opening and Digital Scanning Services

Adare SEC chief executive Tony Strong commented: “We have been a supplier on the previous RM framework for over seven years, helping councils across the UK to save millions of pounds.

“Now, we are excited to open up new working relationships as a result of this latest framework and proud that our range of multi-channel services is being showcased. The business is also proudly positioned on other essential frameworks including Scottish Government Procurement Postal Services Framework, G-Cloud, NEPO and EEM.

"We want to be as visible as possible for decision-makers in the field.

“The sector must continually operate with a hawk-eye on budgets and costs, and we have vast experience in helping authorities and departments to identify opportunities for improved efficiencies and greater savings. For example, through better coordination of the postal estate, including critical communications for electoral, parking, roads and travel, environmental and corporate services, and through digitisation of legacy processes, we are helping authorities save as much as £350,000 a year.”

Small steps to transformational change
Adare SEC’s ‘guided transformation’ approach is enabling the public sector to embrace multi-channel communications provision – and enhanced citizen service – in a measured fashion.

Hybrid mail is one solution that is being readily adopted. Hybrid mail is ideally suited to any council or department sending more than 50 communications each day, and its use can deliver savings in the region of 40% for each letter sent. It is also a solution that is well positioned for today’s working landscape. As working patterns continue to evolve, reliance on physical locations is diminishing. Instead, solutions that enable best-practice work from anywhere will come to the fore. Hybrid mail is just such a solution.

Solutions are transforming inbound documents too. Adare SEC’s SmartAccess tool provides anytime, anywhere secure access to digitised inbound mail and communications via a web browser. Put simply, it’s a solution that equips employees with the power to view, distribute and process inbound mail from anywhere. The result is improved operational resilience and greater organisational efficiency.

Sustainability star
In common with the private sector, public sector organisations are looking to partner with suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, the environment and sound social values. Most councils reference green targets in their reports, and sustainability is a key factor in any decision-making process.

In 2023, Adare SEC was again awarded a prestigious Gold Sustainability Certification from the renowned EcoVadis ratings agency, recognising the company’s sustainability initiatives and improvements across all sites. The award positions Adare SEC in the top 2% of companies within the printing industry assessed through the scheme.

Guide to public sector communications management
Undoubtedly, today’s communication landscape is complex and challenging. The good news is that public sector organisations don’t need to go it alone. Adare SEC has captured its sector expertise in a free guide that will help decision-makers navigate with confidence towards communications that are efficient, effective, engaging and fit for the future.

“Any process change can be daunting,” said Strong, “but the solutions and expertise exist to make the transformation to a more agile, intelligent and future-proof operation without disruption and at a pace that suits.

“Downward pressure on public sector budgets will not decrease anytime soon. However, our expertise is enabling organisations in the sector to identify clear paths for savings while at the same time eliminating many of the frustrations and inefficiencies that result from legacy processes.

“In today’s climate, any opportunity for savings must be explored. Our position on the key buying frameworks helps organisations to find us and engage with us, and our rich pedigree in the sector means we have the experience and expertise to navigate legal requirements and hit the ground running. We look forward to forming more public sector partnerships in 2024 and beyond.”

Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.