Chris Taylor, Debbie Muscatelli and David Burton
In June 2011 following a competitive tender exercise Home Group awarded an exclusive print management contract to market leading communications and information specialist, CDS.
Home is one of the leading providers of affordable and supported housing for people in the UK with a turnover in excess of £310m, managing 51,000 homes and providing care and support services to more than 20,000 people across the UK each year.
CDS has streamlined Home’s print buying process. A dedicated account management team provides advice and consultancy to contract users. Innovative online systems for getting quotes, ordering print, storing artwork and images have been implemented to streamline the process. An electronic template system that enables customers to input their own information into standard items will also be introduced to save time and reduce cost.
“We’re delighted with CDS’ partnership approach. The goals we have set out to achieve in this contract align perfectly with our business objectives to enhance communications and reduce costs. We will benefit from CDS’ systems, expertise and buying power to ensure Home gets best value from all of its printed communications,” said Home Group Sourcing & Supplier Performance Assistant Procurement Manager, Debbie Muscatelli.
“We are a very well established print management and communications company with several large government and education sector clients. Winning this contract with Home Group is significant step toward expanding our business with large private sector companies as well,” said David Burton, CDS Print Director.
“Home Group contract users will benefit from expert advice and consultancy on all of their communications requirements backed up by our ‘can do’ approach to customer service. The responsiveness of our account management team supported by our online systems will ensure that print buying is smooth, easy and efficient,” added David.
CDS’ expertise covers the full publishing life-cycle from concept, editorial and design through to printed and online communications. The company is well placed to ensure communications are fit for purpose and to offer Home value for money.
CDS will work closely with Home to ensure bespoke communications are on-brand and meet their communications objectives. Standard documents, such as forms, can be easily ordered online via CDS’ online print portal. Documents will then be picked, packed and distributed from CDS’ digital print hub. This process ensures contract users receive a flexible service when ordering these items, whilst Home will benefit from efficiencies in print production and distribution.