Driving cost efficiency and better outcomes for employees, with OneAdvanced
“We have saved money – almost half a million pounds – reduced the wait times for new items of uniform, and improved the experience we deliver to our employees. OneAdvanced has been instrumental to this success.”
Client:West Mercia Constabulary
Sector:Government
Location:United Kingdom
The Problem
Uniform procurement was not cost effective, and offered a narrow choice for officers from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The Solution
Financials from OneAdvanced.
The Result
By partnering with OneAdvanced, West Mercia Police has saved £470,000 on annual budget, and now has a ready supply of effective uniforms for its officers. With management brought in-house, the force has been able to reduce the number of long-distance deliveries, while offering quicker turnarounds for officers in need of uniform and equipment.
About West Mercia Police
West Mercia Police is the fourth largest police force in the UK, serving more than 1.2m people in communities in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. As a business, the force employs more than 4,500 people, including 2,500 uniformed officers.
A better way of working
For West Mercia, procurement became a focal point for improvement, particularly in providing uniforms and equipment to their 2,500 officers. The goal was clear: streamline the uniform procurement process to save money, promote inclusivity, and reduce environmental impact while delivering a superior service.
Previously, uniform procurement had been delivered from a central location, a long distance from the force. This often meant the team had ‘last pick’ when it came to uniforms, with officers not as comfortable as they should be when carrying out their duties. At the same time, the stock location was preventing the force from reaching carbon neutrality.
Collaboration is key to success
The first step for West Mercia was to listen to the needs of their officers. The team conducted surveys to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the uniform service – a collaborative approach that ensured the changes truly met the needs of the workforce, creating a smoother and more inclusive experience for all.
After the decision was made to manage uniform supply in-house, West Mercia partnered with OneAdvanced, recognising Financials as the most reliable solution for accurately tracking stock and inventory, and delivering faster fulfilment. Richard Muirhead, Commercial Director commented: “The police uniform is integral to the role. It provides a reassuring presence to the public and a visible deterrence to potential offenders. I cannot overstate the importance of having a ready supply of effective uniform for our valued officers, and thanks to this project, we can now offer an exceptional service in this area, providing over 90% of uniform requests within two days.”
Results that make a difference
The shift to an in-house model has delivered impressive results:
- Significant cost savings – £470,000 saved annually on the uniform budget.
- Faster fulfilment – 91% of uniform requests are now fulfilled within 48 hours, with 30% on the same day.
- Reduced environmental impact – Fewer long-distance deliveries have supported the force’s carbon neutrality objectives.
- Greater inclusivity – Uniform choices now cater to diverse needs, including transgender, nonbinary, and religious requirements.
These results underline how West Mercia Police turned procurement into a strategic advantage, using it not only to save money but also to enhance
inclusivity and sustainable practices.
A commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
West Mercia Police’s focus on inclusivity ensures that every officer, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or cultural background, feels comfortable and equipped for their role. Uniform options now accommodate a wider range of personal and professional needs. Jon Strelitz, Head of Contracts and Procurement, told us:
“Uniform is a key part of the identity of our police officers, signifying their professionalism, dedication, and service. Bringing this process in-house has made a huge difference in ensuring inclusivity and efficiency.”
This focus on inclusivity not only fulfils a moral duty but also strengthens workplace relationships and trust with local communities. Diverse perspectives
bring innovation and elevate operational strategies, enhancing West Mercia Police’s capacity to deliver better services.
Procurement as a force for good
West Mercia’s success story demonstrates how procurement can become a powerful driver for improvement. By reimagining their approach, they have gone beyond simple cost-saving to deliver real value for their workforce and community. Jon Strelitz said: “Bringing this process in-house with the support of OneAdvanced has made a huge difference in how an officer orders their uniform. It demonstrates just how effectively procurement can contribute to the culture and identity at West Mercia Police.”
Modern policing is no longer confined to law enforcement; it is about supporting employees, fostering trust in communities, and operating as dynamic, inclusive organisations. By working with OneAdvanced, West Mercia Police showed how
smarter procurement can turn logistical challenges into opportunities for meaningful progress.