NCP FAQs Desktop Stationery, Envelope, Laser Labels, Paper, and Remanufactured Ink Cartridges

1. What is the aim of Nationally Contracted Products (NCP) and how are the products chosen?

The aim of this NCP exercise was to mitigate recent cost pressures and to increase the number of products within the NCP range. We have done this by including additional paper products and remanufactured ink cartridges (remans) for the first time.

Supply chain resilience is essential and so all participating suppliers are required to provide assurance of their capability to fulfil national volume requirements. For example, all awarded suppliers agreed to hold a minimum of 8 weeks stock to improve resilience on all NCP lines.

2. Which products have been included in this NCP?

The following products have been included in this NCP exercise:

• Lot 1 – Paper: covers 19 core A3, A4, white and coloured copier paper products. Please note this does not include NCP Recycled Paper, this remains a separate agreement and is unaffected by this NCP.
• Lot 2 – Desktop stationery: pens, pencils, marker pens, highlighters, books, notepads, binders, folders, filing and storage, multimedia, desktop accessories, whiteboards, noticeboards, and paper cups.
• Lot 3 – Envelopes sizes DL, C4, C5, and C6.
• Lot 4 – Laser labels. A4 sheets of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 65 labels per sheet.
• Lot 5 – Reman cartridges covers core cartridges based on the fastest selling original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products.

A full list of all new and delisted products is available on the NCP Desktop Stationery, Envelope, Laser Labels, Paper and Remanufactured Ink Cartridges web page, see our Useful Links section for more information.

3. Which suppliers were successful?

The following suppliers were successful in this NCP exercise:

• Lot 1 – Paper: Premier Paper Group Ltd
• Lot 2 – Stationery: Banner
• Lot 3 – Envelopes: Lyreco UK Ltd
• Lot 4 – Labels: Thomas Stoner Supplies LTD
• Lot 5 – Remans: Thomas Stoner Supplies Ltd.

4. Are any suppliers being delisted? 

No supplier will have all their current products removed, only the ones that have product lines included within the NCP.

• Bates Office Services Ltd
• Blake Office Supplies Ltd
• Complete Business Solutions Group Ltd.
• Lyreco UK Ltd
• UK Laser Supplies Ltd
• XMA Ltd.

5. Will all products be stocked in all depots?

Yes.

6. What happens if the depot that services my trust is out of stock of the allocated product?

If stock within the supplying depot is unavailable, then orders will be fulfilled from another depot in the network.

7. Are the NPC codes changing?

None of the current NPC codes are changing.

8. Do I need to make any system changes to update standing orders and favourite lists?

Updates to favourites lists, standing orders and eDC requirements should be carried out by the trust in line with your normal procedures.

9. What supply chain resilience can you guarantee if one of the suppliers has a supply issue?

The NCP procurement process includes a range of due diligence activities to ensure there is supply chain resilience and sustainable continuity of supply to NHS customers. Both NHS Supply Chain and the supplier have increased stock holding and, in the event of any supply issue, alternatives will be supplied, at point of order, at no extra cost to the trust.

10. What will happen if I choose to order directly from the supplier?

NHS England (NHSE) have been engaging with trusts directly over the expectation that they will support this national programme. Support from trusts is required in order to achieve the volume savings for all partners.

11. Is there a risk that existing products will be delisted too soon?

Delisted stock lines will be listed as “available whilst stock lasts”, any outstanding stock will still be available until stock has been depleted. You can continue to utilise your stocks of the current lines until these have also been depleted.

12. What should trusts do if there are issues with the product they are allocated?

In the first instance please contact your Customer Services Advisor.

13. What if my trust is currently buying a similar product at a cheaper price?

Benchmarking prices using NHSE’s national price benchmarking tool, Spend Comparison Service (SCS), will highlight where a trust may be paying a cheaper local price. We would ask you to please notify NHSE and your NHS Supply Chain Customer Relationship Manager of these instances in order that the situation can be addressed.

14. What support will be available to trusts during the implementation/conversion period to minimise the impact on current resources?

Support will be available from your Customer Relationship Manager, and the successful suppliers can provide you with product training and information if required.

Information is also available via our Clinical Nurse Advisors.

See our Useful Links section for more information.

15. Where can I get more detailed information?

Please visit www.supplychain.nhs.uk/ncp for the latest information about Nationally Contracted Products (NCPs).

You can also contact your Customer Relationship Manager or Customer Services Advisor.

See our Useful Links section for more information.