Telewest signs up new sourcing provider

Britain's second largest cable operator, Telewest, has announced that it has signed up a new sourcing provider in an effort to effect further cost savings.

The operator, currently in the middle of a huge debt-for-equity financial restructuring deal with bondholders, has selected software from Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Frictionless Commerce for their enterprise sourcing needs.

Telewest's director of group purchasing and logistics, Nick Jones, said:

"The Frictionless Sourcing platform has proved to be our clear choice after completion of an extensive selection process. Telewest is extremely keen to take full advantage of eSourcing strategy and functionality as soon as possible. We firmly believe that Frictionless can provide the most comprehensive, value-for-money product in the timescales required.

"Initially, Telewest may have settled for a point solution to meet present requirements, but Frictionless Sourcing has demonstrated that it is a platform we can grow with, without compromise, and will enable the transformation of our procurement activities."

The company hopes that by tying all sourcing - including project and contract management - into eSourcing, which permits procedures such as auctions, savings can be made.

Stephen Sharp, president and CEO of Frictionless Commerce, said:

"Frictionless is very pleased to provide Telewest with a solution that enables them to start quickly and expand over time. We look forward to supporting their sourcing efforts and providing them with a supportive customer community to share best practices and lessons learned."