Introduction Counties Furniture Group We are delighted to inform you that the Counties Furniture Group (CFG) have contracted British Thornton to continue the manufacture of their storage and benching range. This contract has been awarded through the OJEU process. British Thornton & CFG will continue to work in partnership to develop and provide well furnished learning environments and innovative product solutions.
About CFG: CFG has been synonymous with the highest standards in the design and manufacture of educational furniture for over forty years. The group comprises of 80 Local Authorities and membership is free to any Local Authority to access coordinated products manufactured with the benefits of aggregated demand to keep prices to a minimum.
CFG’s primary aims are to: • design furniture to enhance and improve the teaching environment of its members’ educational establishments
Benefits • CFG design office provides a layout, cost scheduling facility free to members for educational projects • Complete design and colour co-ordinated range of furniture. Comprehensive ranges for furnishing whole school environments, from general teaching and office areas to specialist curriculum areas • Standing order requirements and the European Community Directive for public sector contracts (*some supplemental items are also included to provide wider options for members which are not tendered via OJEU, but are clearly indicated as such). • Prices are continually monitored throughout the length of contract by a Local Authority supplies officer, ensuring advantageous prices to members. The volume of sales enables the group to negotiate the very best prices for its members. • Because CFG is a not for profit Local Authority controlled company it understands the particular needs of individual Local Authorities.
• advise on the selection and procurement of its products
• Members have a voice in the running of CFG through regular Advisory Committees and an Annual Meeting.
• arrange for product manufacture and supply
• Priority delivery for CFG members.
• undertake collaborative research on British and European standards
• CFG officer support in representing members interests. A small team of specialist officers seconded part-time from member authorities carry out the Group’s day to day business keeping overheads to a minimum. • Quality through design. All items are carefully researched and designed to meet the needs of the educational environment. Products are also designed to meet appropriate British Standards. CFG have been involved in setting standards for educational furniture through British Standards Institute since its inception and the Senior Designer sits on the BSI and CEN European Education Furniture Committees. • Manufacturers to the Group are carefully chosen on strict performance and tendering criteria. • Quality products are made available through our manufacturers commitment to standards and quality performance. • CFG and its manufacturers are fully committed to After Sales Service. For further information and any queries regarding membership, please contact, CFG design office the shirehall, abbey foregate shrewsbury, shropshire SY2 6ND
telephone 01743 255671 email info@cfg.gov.uk website www.cfg.gov.uk
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Enquiries 08705 329 201 Fax 01535 680 226