Commercial and Business Development Team
Today, we’re shining a light on one of the teams whose work often happens behind the scenes but is absolutely essential to keeping our emergency services running smoothly: the Commercial and Business Development team.
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At first glance, procurement and contract management might not sound like the most exciting part of policing. But without this team, officers (and firefighters too) wouldn’t have the equipment, technology, vehicles, uniforms, or specialist support they need to keep the public safe. Their work ensures every purchase — from body armour to software systems — is good value, legally compliant, and fit for purpose.
Head of Department, Lucy Westley, told us more: “Our role is to ensure compliance and governance in our purchasing and contractual activity. Working for a public sector organisation means we must strive to achieve best value in our purchasing and contracting of goods and services.”
“We provide procurement and associated services for three organisations: Northamptonshire Police, the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“Since the commercial function came back in-house in 2021 – after being part of a regional collaboration – the team of four has grown to 18 professionals who each play a part in ensuring purchases are fair, transparent, cost effective, and high quality.”
Together, the team oversees more than 500 live contracts, with new requirements, urgent requests and complex problem solving landing on their desks every day.
“No day is ever the same,” Lucy added. “While we have planned work through our contracts register and pipeline, there is always a need for reactive activity and relationship management — whether that’s dealing with supplier performance issues, or helping secure urgent purchases like additional PSU equipment for public order incidents, or solutions when our telephone lines fail.”
Team responsibilities
The Commercial and Business Development team covers several key areas that directly support both frontline policing and fire service delivery:
1. Procurement
From stationery to specialist fleet vehicles, the team researches the market, refines specifications with departments, encourages innovation, and ensures every purchase is made through a fair, compliant, and cost-efficient route.
2. Contract Management
Once a contract is in place, the work doesn’t stop. The team supports implementation, monitors performance, resolves issues, and ensures suppliers stand by their commitments.
3. Supplier Relationship Management
Strong relationships with suppliers help make sure strategic equipment and services remain secure, available and high quality. The team also monitors the wider market to ensure that viable options remain in place.
4. Business Development
The team manages partnership arrangements such as Section 22 agreements, oversees cost recovery and income generating opportunities, and creates purchasing frameworks that other public bodies can also use.
For example, for large commercial events like football matches or local festivals, the team negotiates and manages agreements to ensure appropriate costs are recovered by the organisation.
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A crucial link in keeping the public safe
The outcomes of this work can be seen everywhere:
- Laptops, mobile phones and vital software
- Fire and police fleet vehicles
- Staff welfare and custody healthcare services
- Uniforms and protective equipment
- Building repairs, renovations and major construction projects
If frontline teams rely on it, chances are the Commercial team helped secure it.
Lucy explained why their role is so important: “We ensure that each area of the organisation, whether operational or support, has the goods, equipment or services to effectively serve the public. Emergency services face constantly evolving challenges, from technological advances in crime to wildfires and flooding. The Commercial team supports innovative market scoping so we remain compliant while meeting these developing needs.”
Working within strict legal frameworks
All public sector procurement must comply with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023, which set strict rules depending on contract value.
Lucy said: “Our job is to make sure the organisation is commercially mature, working within the law, and upholding the principles of transparency, fairness and value for money. This ensures public money is spent effectively, efficiently and in a way that can be audited with confidence.”
Ensuring quality and value
The Commercial and Business Development team is made up of individuals who, as Lucy put it, “wanted to make a difference” by getting the best quality and value on goods and services, exploring innovation and ensuring the right terms and conditions are in place to protect the organisation and those who work in it.
Lucy added: “My team’s dedication, integrity and problem solving skills ensure every department — from neighbourhood policing to crime prevention to high tech crime investigation — has what it needs to deliver an excellent service to the public.
“Police Staff Recognition Week is an ideal time to thank them for their hard work and the vital role they continue to play in supporting frontline policing and keeping our officers, staff and communities safe.”
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Meet the team
Head of Department Lucy leads a team of Commercial Managers, Senior Commercial Officers and Commercial Support Officers. We spoke to a few of them to find out more about their individual roles.
I’ve been part of the Commercial and Business Development team for around 18 months, after moving across from the wider Property and Commercial department. I’m naturally someone who likes digging into detail and solving problems, so this role suits me perfectly.
A big part of my job is keeping our internal processes running smoothly. I prepare letters, contracts and notices in line with the Procurement Act 2023, and I make sure our systems and records stay accurate and up to date. I work closely with Commercial Managers to organise files, track information and make sure business areas have what they need when they need it.
I also support procurement activity behind the scenes—sending out tender paperwork, managing responses and helping ensure everything is compliant. Alongside that, I help source a wide variety of items for property and office spaces, from furniture to plumbing services. My focus is on accuracy, process and making sure the organisation has what it needs to function day to day.
I joined the team in February 2025 after deciding I wanted a career in the public sector. I enjoy fast paced work, clear deadlines and being part of a team that supports the wider organisation, and this role gives me all of that.
My job is very people focused. I spend much of my time meeting with departments to understand their needs, talking through contract or tender options, and helping shape the best route forward. I also go out on site visits to get a real understanding of what different teams require. From drafting documents and supporting tender work to helping out at wider events like community open days, the role gives me plenty of variety.
What I enjoy most is the interaction with colleagues across both policing and fire. I like seeing how procurement supports frontline teams and being able to contribute to projects that make a difference. It’s a supportive environment where there’s always something new to learn—and where every day feels different.
I joined Northamptonshire Police’s Commercial Team a year ago after eight years in another Force, as I wanted the opportunity to get more involved in Contract management and strategic decision making. What I enjoy most about my role is the people side of Commercial – working closely with teams across both policing and fire to understand what they need, what challenges they face, and how procurement can support them.
My role focuses on managing contracts throughout their full lifecycle and overseeing tender activity to make sure we secure the right goods and services. For me, the most rewarding part is solving problems with business areas and building strong working relationships. Every department operates differently, so each project brings a new challenge and a chance to make improvements that directly support frontline delivery.
The pace suits me well – priorities shift quickly, the work is varied. I also value the support and expertise within the team, which makes this a great place to continue growing professionally.
Being part of the Commercial Team gives me a unique chance to see the impact of our work firsthand, which I find hugely rewarding. I’ve been in the team for four years and my areas of responsibility include Property, FCR and Operations. One example of the projects I’ve supported is the delivery of new canteen provisions across two of our larger sites—an example of how our work directly improves the day-to-day experience of staff.
The role definitely has its challenges, especially when workloads peak towards the end of the financial year. Procurement legislation can also be complex, and balancing compliance with the business areas’ needs and tight timeframes can be demanding. But that’s also what makes the job interesting—no two days are the same, and every project helps keep the organisation running smoothly.
I joined Northamptonshire Police after 10 years in the housebuilding industry, looking for a role that still offered variety and pace but with better work–life balance. The Senior Commercial Officer role was a great fit for my transferable skills.
I support Fleet, Transport and Stores, which means I’m involved in buying everything from uniforms and boots to specialist equipment. I enjoy this area because you can clearly see the impact of what we procure. Site visits have helped me understand the technical side of vehicles and equipment, which makes the work even more interesting.
Procurement legislation can be complex, but the team has been incredibly supportive as I’ve settled into the role. There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps the job rewarding.
I work in the Business Development side of Commercial, focusing on setting up internal and national frameworks and supporting cost recovery projects—like making sure the right agreements are in place for policing events. I enjoy working with so many different departments and seeing how the services we procure help the frontline.
My work can range from tenders for custody healthcare to helping establish new ICT frameworks, and occasionally supporting community focused projects—like helping Burton Latimer Fire Station replace their Christmas sleigh last year.
I joined the team four years ago as a Commercial Support Officer before moving into my current role. We manage more than 500 live contracts, so attention to detail and good prioritisation are essential. Adapting to the Procurement Act 2023 has been a challenge, but ensuring compliance is a key part of supporting the organisation properly.
I have worked in the Commercial and Business Development team for the past 15 months and mainly work on the business side.
A big part of my job is to help support with income revenue and cost recovery projects. Here, I ensure that the correct agreements are in place for recovering costs at events where a police presence is required, such as football games and festivals. I also help out on the commercial side where needed with variation letters, drafting contracts and any other admin assistance.
I love how varied my role is and that it enables me to interact with colleagues from across the force, as well as those in the fire service and external suppliers.
Find out more
To find out more about a role in our Commercial department and to view all our current vacancies, please use the link below.
