We are immensely proud that our recent Academy graduate - and guest blogger - Beccy Purcell from the Crown Commercial Service has been shortlisted for the Civil Service Awards 2015. Beccy, along with colleague Melanie Banks has been shortlisted for the Commercial Award.
![Beccy_Award](https://civilservicelocal.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2015/09/Beccy_Award-150x150.jpg)
We are of course hoping that the fact she won the "Purcellitzer Prize" for blogging at the north west Academy last week is a good omen, along with the her Academy family team - the Wolves' victory in the the "Perfect Pitch" award for the best team presentation. Whether she picks up a third award or not, being nominated is a great achievement either way.
So, congratulations to Beccy and Melanie on their success. The nomination is made in recognition of their hard work in the commercial field.
By creating a robust strategy based on in-depth market intelligence gathered by researching documented approaches, attending industry best-practice events, and extensive market engagement with the Government and wider public sector stakeholders, Melanie and Rebecca were able to deliver a commercial agreement that not only gave government fixed pricing guarantees connecting quality and price for all media channels but also ensured 100% of supplier rebates being returned which is unprecedented in this space. The agreement has made a saving of £12m in the first quarter, and rates are 24% below the market. Delivered amidst significant sector-wide budget cuts, within a hugely evolving media landscape, these improvements support the Minister for Cabinet Office's aim to "go further with government spending on communications"; and empowers government to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
We wish them both well on behalf of us all at Civil Service Local. Well done!