Hit the ground running in 2023!

2022 was a year that started with so much promise for most. ?However, the “Troll from Trondheim’, which saw temperatures across the UK plummet, guaranteed a pretty miserable ending for many people - myself included with my broken boiler on the coldest day of the year!

So, here we are at the beginning of 2023 and hoping that there will, once again, be reasons for optimism ahead. While it is all very well to look forward with hope, for the time being, the reality is that the freezing temperatures during December will have driven more people to seek support from their local authorities - and finding a way to deliver that quickly, flexibly and accountability will be vital.

I’ve written before about the advantages of using Blackhawk Solutions to deliver much need financial support quickly and flexibly via pre paid cards and vouchers, but one of the questions I’m often asked is about the actual procurement process and our ability to comply with the many stringent demands of the Civil Service Procurement process.

This is a key issue as, when any public body needs a solution, being able to deliver quickly, effectively and compliantly is crucial. Without getting too technical here – and I’m always happy to get technical if you’d like to chat further – Blackhawk Solutions are fully compliant with the Crown Commercial Service’s Payment Solutions 2 Framework.

This is the framework that, in the CSS’s own words, provides "access to the supply and maintenance of?payment solutions, which will allow users to buy goods and services. It will also offer prepaid solutions for those who do not have other means of accessing funds."

The importance of this is that Blackhawk Network, with our ability, focus and experience, is uniquely placed in 2023 to provide our clients with the full spectrum of payment solutions under the Framework. In effect we are a procurement fund disbursement ‘one stop shop’ for the needs of every Local Authority, Charity and University, as we can cater for the implementation and management of Physical & Digital pre-paid cards, Food & Essentials Voucher schemes and eGift codes.

The ultimate benefit – and the one that really counts for people in need - is that organisations and authorities can come to us, safe in the knowledge that the procurement process is significantly simplified and that we are pre-qualified to assured supplier standards, including security standards ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. No wasted time, no false starts, just a one-stop, tried and tested payment solution that is ready to go and start delivering help where it’s needed most.

This ensures that you can hit the ground running and deliver virtual payments solutions that are fast and secure, with quick and simple redemption for recipients for the good and services of their choice at the recipients retailer of their choice. If you want targeted support, we even offer a specific Energy prepaid card that can be used online, over the phone, or via a smart prepayment app.

Whilst we all hope for the best in 2023 and that the cost of living crisis might ease, putting solutions in place that meet your needs and which are flexible and scalable makes sound sense.?We have a very experienced payment solutions team here at Blackhawk who will be more than happy to work with you to create a bespoke solution that's tailored to your budget, timelines, and needs, and which gives you full visibility and accountability for the whole payment process from start to finish.

?Join the local authorities taking advantage of these simple and effective solutions by contacting me on 07485 376 178 or email me at?[email protected].