News & Events

Award-winning, North East procurement specialist, NEPO, has announced the appointment of its first in-house legal counsel, as the organisation continues to expand.

Successfully appointed to the role of in-house legal counsel, Victoria Maw brings 17 years of experience and expert knowledge to NEPO, having previously worked in local government providing legal advice on contracts and procurement matters.

Victoria will provide NEPO with legal advice to support the strategic development and delivery of procurement for local government in the North East.

The recruitment of this role is timely, with an important shake up in procurement law set to come into place late next year. The Government’s Procurement Bill - which is anticipated to be the most significant change to procurement law and practice for a generation - aims to ensure every pound spent within public procurement, goes further for communities and public services.

Victoria said: “I'm delighted to have been appointed as NEPO's first in-house legal counsel. This is an exciting time for NEPO as we deliver our ambitious three-year strategy to help achieve the North East's economic, environmental and social ambitions. I’m looking forward to working with regional colleagues to ensure we do this.

"The forthcoming Procurement Act will allow us to use more flexible approaches to open up more opportunities to local and regional suppliers, whilst continuing to deliver value for money."

Nicola Shelley, managing director at NEPO, said: “Our growth means the time is right to move away from our previous legal provision under a service level agreement, to a dedicated in-house role working within our team.

“It’s great to have Victoria onboard. As a region, we have a huge opportunity to ensure we are recognised as a national leader in public procurement. Victoria will play an integral role in ensuring we are well prepared for the changes the forthcoming Procurement Act will bring, as well as supporting us in the delivery of the NEPO 2025 strategy.”