The Meetings, Events & Communications Division of Grass Roots is conducting a Supplier Approval RFP to streamline its supplier database and consolidate its hotel and venue sourcing throughout the business.

The agency has asked 70+ hotel groups and venues, based on specific initial entry criteria, to provide detailed information on their properties focusing primarily on pricing policies, staff expertise & commitment to training, quality & service, dedicated account management & autonomy, disaster recovery & crisis management, health & safety, software integration, corporate responsibility and innovation. The agency is also involving its clients to ensure that the areas considered meet their priorities and future needs.

Alan Newton, Group Supplier Relations Manager, Grass Roots stated: "Our intention is to provide our clients with the best supply chain in the industry. We will continue to negotiate improved pricing and commercial terms without compromising quality or service".

The process does not only include hotel chains; independents, unusual venues, meeting space providers and training centres are all being included, globally as well as within Europe. The intention is to achieve a shortlist of the best in each venue category to help promote excellence within the industry and facilitate the agency's goal of delivering perfect execution every time for clients.

Newton continued: "We are hoping to complete the process by the end of the year which will, combined with an updated IT platform, enable us to begin embedding the new, more robust procurement process throughout the company, starting in the UK then Continental Europe, APAC and the Americas."