Local Authorities/Government Departments - Card Acquiring

All of our work is tailored to individual clients' needs. Our projects however are typically either based around a review/benchmark of arrangements or assistance with a tender process.

Review & Tender of Credit and Debit Card Acquiring Arrangements:

The Rationale:

The acceptance of debit and credit cards is a growth area for all local authorities/government departments and increasingly represents a significant cost. Initiatives led by central government to increase online transactions have contributed to this growth.

Historically, local authorities/government departments have tended to use their main bank to provide card acquiring facilities and have not sought quotes from other banks.

As card acquiring is more competitive than mainstream banking, the best possible deals are usually obtained through a tender process. Moving arrangements from one card acquirer to another does not present the same problems as moving bank and we are increasingly seeing local authorities seek competitive quotes via a tender process. Significant savings can be achieved as a result of a formal tender.

The Service:

Management of all or part of the tender process
Dealing with European Union procurement requirements
Preparation of an invitation to tender document
Review of all card acquiring processes and inclusion of any improvements in the tender process
Evaluation of tenders and production of a report suitable for internal reporting purposes
Assistance with short listing and clarification process

The Benefits:

Expert assistance obtained in completing the tender process
Professional and thorough documentation ensures keener pricing from card acquirers
Savings often generated
Advice provided in relation to the options available for the acceptance of online transactions and the use of fraud screening services
Thorough evaluation of tenders - all hidden costs identified
Minimal strain on internal resources - time saved

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Review and Benchmark of Credit and Debit Card Acquiring Services:

The Rationale:

Although we often find that the most competitive deals are achieved through a tender process, we can provide a benchmarking service for authorities/government departments who consider that tendering is not appropriate. This service can be completed as part of a wider review of all banking arrangements or as a bespoke project.

The Service:

An alternative to placing a contract to tender whilst still demonstrating Best Value
Benchmark of tariffs and services to assist in negotiating extensions to the card acquiring contract
Benchmark 'tender' tariffs and settlement timescales supplied
Negotiation tactics provided
Review of fraud screening services

The Benefits:

Best Value demonstrated whilst avoiding a time consuming tender process
Savings often generated
Possible improvements to services identified
Internal processes improved

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Local Authorities/Government Departments - Card Acquiring All of our work is tailored to individual clients' needs. Our projects however are typically either based around a review/benchmark of arrangements or assistance with a tender process. Review & Tender of Credit and Debit Card Acquiring Arrangements: The Rationale: The acceptance of debit and credit cards is a growth area for all local authorities/government departments and increasingly represents a significant cost. Initiatives led by central government to increase online transactions have contributed to this growth. Historically, local authorities/government departments have tended to use their main bank to provide card acquiring facilities and have not sought quotes from other banks. As card acquiring is more competitive than mainstream banking, the best possible deals are usually obtained through a tender process. Moving arrangements from one card acquirer to another does not present the same problems as moving bank and we are increasingly seeing local authorities seek competitive quotes via a tender process. Significant savings can be achieved as a result of a formal tender. The Service: Management of all or part of the tender process Dealing with European Union procurement requirements Preparation of an invitation to tender document Review of all card acquiring processes and inclusion of any improvements in the tender process Evaluation of tenders and production of a report suitable for internal reporting purposes Assistance with short listing and clarification process The Benefits: Expert assistance obtained in completing the tender process Professional and thorough documentation ensures keener pricing from card acquirers Savings often generated Advice provided in relation to the options available for the acceptance of online transactions and the use of fraud screening services Thorough evaluation of tenders - all hidden costs identified Minimal strain on internal resources - time saved [go back to top of page] Review and Benchmark of Credit and Debit Card Acquiring Services: The Rationale: Although we often find that the most competitive deals are achieved through a tender process, we can provide a benchmarking service for authorities/government departments who consider that tendering is not appropriate. This service can be completed as part of a wider review of all banking arrangements or as a bespoke project. The Service: An alternative to placing a contract to tender whilst still demonstrating Best Value Benchmark of tariffs and services to assist in negotiating extensions to the card acquiring contract Benchmark 'tender' tariffs and settlement timescales supplied Negotiation tactics provided Review of fraud screening services The Benefits: Best Value demonstrated whilst avoiding a time consuming tender process Savings often generated Possible improvements to services identified Internal processes improved [go back to top of page]	News Banks Increase Pricing For Credit The 'credit crunch' and changes in capital adequacy requirements have seen banks attempt to increase their income from lines of credit extended across our entire client base. We are seeing increases in both fees and margins for short term working capital lines and a tendancy to restrict the use of overdrafts in favour of LIBOR linked facilities. The fees and margins for term debt have also increased. Our experience is, however, that it remains a competitive market place and banks do want to lend to good quality covenants. Whilst working with clients, we have been able to mitigate some of the increased costs and if your bank is attempting to increase its income from lines of credit then it is probably a good time to review the whole relationship to ensure that in overall terms pricing and charges remain competitive. Reducing costs in the Charity sector The economic downturn has hit the charity sector with most UK charities expecting donation income to fall over the next 12 months. This prospect is driving charities to look harder for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Focus on Banking has now worked with 10 major UK charities in the last 18 months and has been able to generate savings in banking and credit/debit card acquiring arrangements of well over £500,000. Joint Procurement for Local Authorities The profile of procurement in local authorities has been raised in the last few years through a number of Government publications and reviews. All local authorities are now considering options for procuring good/services on a joint basis with neighbouring authorities. Whilst undoubtedly for certain types of contracts, authorities will benefit from economies of scale, this does not necessarily apply to banking. In fact banks have tended to show little appetite for complicated joint contracts and will not usually offer discounts or reduced pricing when several authorities collaborate. Law Firms Become Critical Customers For Banks The credit crunch has seen the competition between banks for the client balances that law firms hold increase. At the same time, firms have increasingly become concerned about the safety of the balances. Given that banks are also restricting the use of Base Rate linked facilities and increasing margins and fees for credit lines, the dynamics of firms’ bank relationships are fundamentally changing. Maintaining and increasing client balances held has become a key target for banks and there has never been a better time to review relationships. We have now worked with more than 65 of the UK’s largest professional firms and the number continues to grow. Contact Us Email Us
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