Decision details

To request Cabinet Member approval to award a contract for the supply and install of Turntide Technology motors to Future Motors Ltd, following an extraordinary exemption approval process.

This contract has a value of up to £1.4m, and will be delivered over the next 5 years. This technology will be retrofitted to high energy using equipment at multiple sites owned and run by the council and will provide energy savings on the running costs at those sites.

I approve the exemption and contract award set out in the report.

This decision was published on 7 January 2025 and will come into effect on 15 January 2025.

Approval of the procurement exemption will allow the award of a contract to Future Motors Ltd for the supply and installation of Turntide Technology systems at key council buildings.

A full tender process was considered and work to scope and identify contractors in the market capable of delivering the required technology was undertaken. However, extensive market research and supplier engagement revealed that a tender process would be an inefficient use of resources.

This was based on:

•      Technical Exclusivity - No other suppliers in the market offer functionality and software capabilities equivalent to Turntide Technologies, including the patented 10-pole Switched Reluctance Technology, full monitoring systems, and remote access features. These are critical for achieving the Council’s financial and sustainability objectives.

•      Installation Exclusivity - Turntide Motors installations are exclusively managed by Future Motors Ltd or their approved subcontractors. No independent installers are authorised to install the motor or its software. Future Motors’ certified network of trained installers ensures proper handling, and the system is not supplied outside this authorised group.

•      Unique Energy-Saving Benefits - Turntide Technologies offers unmatched energy efficiency and operational benefits that align with the Council’s goals. Procuring an alternative solution would compromise performance and fail to meet the Council’s technical requirements.

The exemption request was considered and approved by Procurement Board and has subsequently been signed by Director of Assets, Head of Finance, Director of Finance and Director of Legal and Governance.

Internal consultation has taken place with Procurement and Legal Teams concerning the exemption process.