CHIC, an asset management and procurement consortium, has announced the launch of an enhanced version of its Merchants Framework.

Designed to support social landlords and registered providers, the framework provides a compliant and flexible route to procure building materials, merchant services, managed stores and specialist supply solutions across a wide range of responsive repairs, planned investment, compliance and retrofit activities.

Developed in collaboration with members, supply chain partners and Efficiency North, the framework has been created to help address ongoing sector challenges including rising material costs, supply chain reliability, inconsistent pricing and limited visibility of purchasing data. Through benchmarked pricing, strategic supplier partnerships and enhanced reporting capabilities, the framework supports improved operational efficiency, stronger cost control and more effective long-term asset management outcomes.

The Merchants Framework provides access to a comprehensive catalogue of materials and components across approved manufacturers and merchants. Members benefit from volume discounts on commonly used products, transparent procurement practices and regular pricing reviews to ensure continued value for money and competitive supply arrangements.

In addition, members receive regular reporting and purchasing analysis to help identify spending trends, improve stock control and explore more cost-effective procurement options. Ordering and supply processes can also be managed through CHIC's Contract and Order Management System, helping streamline procurement activity, improve reporting visibility and strengthen operational oversight.

The framework also enables landlords to separate materials procurement from labour delivery, providing greater control over product specification, quality and lifecycle performance while improving cost transparency across projects. Members can choose between a multi-merchant arrangement, including smaller independent suppliers, or a fully integrated one stop shop approach depending on operational requirements.

The framework is divided into twelve specialist Lots, providing members with the flexibility to procure individual services or adopt a fully integrated materials solution:

  • Lot 1: Plumbing
  • Lot 2: Electrical
  • Lot 3: General Building Materials
  • Lot 4: Managed Stores
  • Lot 5: Merchant Consortia Managed Store
  • Lot 6: Painting & Decorating
  • Lot 7: Specialist Materials
  • Lot 8: Tools
  • Lot 9: Hire
  • Lot 10: Waste Management
  • Lot 11: Retrofit Materials
  • Lot 12: Van Stock Software

The Merchants Framework forms part of CHIC's wider strategic asset management offering, supporting members with compliant procurement solutions that improve supply chain resilience, operational efficiency and cost transparency. By enabling greater control over materials selection, quality assurance and lifecycle performance, the framework helps social landlords deliver responsive repairs, void works, compliance programmes, planned maintenance and retrofit projects more effectively.

The inclusion of dedicated retrofit materials and waste management Lots also supports members' wider sustainability and decarbonisation objectives by improving access to energy efficiency products, reducing material waste and supporting more informed purchasing decisions.

Giles Newman, Head of Merchant Services at CHIC, said: "Procurement within the housing sector is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as organisations balance financial pressures, compliance responsibilities and the growing demand for sustainability-focused investment. The Merchants Framework has been designed to give members greater visibility and control across their materials supply chain, while also improving consistency, accountability and value for money.

"By separating materials procurement from labour delivery, members are able to make more strategic decisions around product selection, lifecycle performance and stock management. Combined with enhanced reporting, benchmarked pricing and access to specialist merchant expertise, the framework supports a more intelligent and data-driven approach to asset management that can deliver long-term operational and financial benefits."