ABOUT BEYOND PROCUREMENT

The Journey of Andrew Childers

Whilst I focused on sustainability, my team continued to grow Meercat’s core cost-reduction services. By 2020, we had a healthy turnover and a strong reputation.  Then Covid-19 struck. Projects halted, revenue vanished and we faced betrayal from our Managing Director, who stole client data to start a competing business, damage our reputation and poaching many of our clients.  It was a brutal betrayal. The personal and financial strain were immense. My business partner stepped away, and I was left to navigate the fallout.

In 2006, I reached a crossroads in my career. Despite outward success, I felt unfulfilled and resigned without a plan. After months of reflection, I convinced a close friend to join me in creating “Meercat Associates,” symbolising our mission to be a “watchful protector” for businesses. We launched on 07/07/2007 and secured a consultancy contract with a large London council within a week.

Over three years, we expanded our team and services, and I discovered Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), a relatively new concept in the UK. Seeing their potential but lack of commercial collaboration, I introduced the idea of a joint procurement group during the 2008 recession. Despite resistance, my passion drove us to establish the first-ever BID buying group, fostering cooperation amongst members and reducing costs.

By 2010, we shifted entirely to supporting BIDs, leaving more lucrative council work behind. This decision tested our resources but solidified our reputation amongst BIDs.

One day, I witnessed three waste lorries in London, all stuck in first gear and emitting unnecessary pollution, highlighting flaws in the system. After mapping the UK’s waste management landscape, I launched the Zero to Landfill Scheme, consolidating waste services for BID members. The initiative cut costs, improved service levels, and reduced environmental impact, earning us several awards.

Despite the challenges, I refused to abandon my passion for empowering businesses to enhance their operations by cutting costs and reducing environmental impact. Instead, I saw an opportunity to rebuild with purpose. Driven by this vision, I remortgaged my home and assembled a team united by a shared, unwavering dedication to sustainability and meaningful change. Together, we set out to redefine what it means to create both economic and environmental value.

Thus, Beyond Procurement was born with a mission to help businesses drive meaningful change and reduce their impact on the planet and its people. As awareness of climate change grew, I found deep purpose in partnering with like-minded clients to implement authentic, impactful solutions—not superficial greenwashing. I’m proud that I’ve inspired some members of my family to join the company as well through a shared commitment to this cause.

Today, Beyond Procurement works with a diverse array of clients, aligning environmental responsibility with operational excellence. Armed with the right tools, a passionate team and steadfast values, we continue to expand our reach and impact. Every client we serve inspires us to aim higher, anchored by our enduring commitment to empowering businesses to grow, excel and build a sustainable future in a changing world.