The Value of a Trusted Print Supplier for Procurement Teams

Modern procurement teams are navigating far more than cost-saving spreadsheets. Today, they're risk managers, ESG advocates, and strategic partners inside their organisations. Print suppliers aren’t just ticking technical boxes anymore, they’re expected to deliver on broader commercial and operational goals too.

Formara has spent over five decades working closely with procurement leads across sectors like finance, public sector, education, and market research. Here's what they consistently demand, and how we exceed those expectations.

Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

When print involves personal data, think financial statements, health records, or research surveys, compliance is non-negotiable. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is zero.

How Formara delivers:

• ISO 27001 certified: Globally recognised for information security management.
• Cyber Essentials Plus accredited: Independently verified for cyber threat protection.
• Encrypted servers & access control: Your data is always handled responsibly.
• Data purging: We delete securely and regularly on a monthly basis.

Client spotlight:
IPSOS a leading market research firm trusted us to fulfil personalised COVID-19 testing kits during the pandemic, tens of thousands every week. In total we fulfilled & delivered over 4 million securely, on time, with zero data breaches.

Sustainability and ESG Alignment

Sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s now a procurement requirement. From carbon reporting to ethical sourcing, ESG criteria are baked into tenders and supplier audits.

How Formara delivers:

• ISO 14001 certified: Environmental management across our operations.
• FSC® certified paper, recycled materials, and energy-efficient equipment.
• Proud member of Two Sides UK and advocate of the Love Paper campaign.
• Active supporter of local biodiversity through Essex Wildlife Trust.
• Low-emission delivery fleet and minimal-waste production processes.

Impact example:
By consolidating print and fulfilment through Formara, one client significantly reduced their carbon footprint, eliminating unnecessary third-party logistics and duplicate transport miles.

Reliability, Capacity, and Track Record

Missed deadlines. Poor quality control. Unreliable fulfilment. These are the red flags procurement teams work hard to avoid.

How Formara delivers:

• Over 54 years in business, trusted by banks, councils, and research giants.
• State-of-the-art digital and litho equipment for jobs of any scale.
• End-to-end control: From design and print to fulfilment and delivery, all under one roof.

“Formara doesn’t just meet deadlines, they often beat them. Their team are proactive, organised and a pleasure to deal with.”
— Senior Buyer, National Survey Company

Responsiveness and Accountable Service

When timelines tighten or briefs change, procurement teams need more than a helpdesk. They need real people, and a print supplier for procurement teams who know the project and can respond fast.

How Formara delivers:

• Every client has a named account manager, often with 20 to 30+ years of experience.
• No call centres, no ticket systems. Just people who know your name.
• Customer service led by Barry, our Head of Client Success, who ensures seamless communication from onboarding to delivery.

“It’s rare to find a supplier that feels like an extension of your own team. Formara’s proactive approach and attention to detail make our lives easier.”
— Contracts Manager, Financial Services Client

Scalability and Flexibility

Whether you’re sending 500 welcome packs or 100,000 tracked survey kits, agility matters. Procurement teams need suppliers who can ramp up fast, and get it right first time.

How Formara delivers:

• Workflow automation and variable-data tech for accurate, high-speed personalisation.
• Scalable capacity: We flex to your campaign calendar without missing a beat.

Key Takeaways

• Procurement isn’t just about price, it’s about security, sustainability, and strategic fit.
• Formara delivers secure, accredited data handling with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.
• Our print is powered by FSC® paper, ISO 14001 practices, and environmental partnerships.
• Every client gets a named, experienced account manager, no call centres.
• We scale fast, adapt flexibly, and deliver proactive advice that drives ROI.
• Transparent pricing, zero hidden costs, and long-term value come as standard.

Case in point:
During the REACT study with Imperial College London, we produced and fulfilled over 100,000 COVID-19 test kits per week, all personalised, all tracked, all error-free.

Proven ROI and Strategic Advice

Cost matters. But long-term value matters more. Procurement leaders want suppliers who contribute to the bottom line, not just invoices.

How Formara delivers:

• Postage optimisation and presorted mailing strategies that drive savings.
• Campaign efficiency audits to reduce print waste and maximise engagement.
• Packaging consultation to reduce weight, cost, and environmental impact.

Result:
One financial client saved over £40,000 per year by switching to consolidated mailings and optimised postage rates, without compromising on quality or delivery times.

Transparent Pricing and Long-Term Value

Surprise charges and opaque pricing models damage trust. Procurement teams value predictability, especially when planning multi-year contracts.

How Formara delivers:

• Clear, honest quoting with no hidden extras.
• Tailored pricing models and volume discounts for long-term partnerships.
• Strategic reviews to ensure your spend keeps delivering value.

Why Formara Should Be On Your Shortlist

Procurement is no longer transactional, it’s strategic. And so is print.

If you're reviewing your print supply chain, issuing a new tender, or exploring new framework partners, here’s what to ask:

• Can your supplier guarantee data compliance at scale?
• Are they genuinely aligned with your ESG goals?
• Will they bring ideas to the table, or just execute instructions?

Formara checks all these boxes, and makes them and ideal print supplier for procurement teams

Let’s Talk

Ready to see how we could support your procurement goals?

📞 Call: 01702 613141
📩 Email: kevin.utton@formara.co.uk

FAQ Section

Q: Can Formara integrate with our existing procurement systems or portals?
A: Yes, we regularly work with procurement platforms and are happy to adapt to your workflows.

Q: Do you provide references or case studies for tenders?
A: Absolutely. We can provide sector-specific case studies, testimonials, and compliance documentation upon request.

Q: What’s your typical onboarding process for new procurement partners?
A: It starts with a discovery call, a detailed quote, and a site visit if required. From there, your account manager will guide the onboarding to align with your internal processes.