Cheshire-based de Poel, which manages the relationships between customers and recruitment agencies, is creating a “panel” of Scottish driver agencies for its customers to use.

The company says clients spend around £7m a year through Scottish agencies, which is expected to grow this year. Establishing relationship with agencies in the region will enable a quicker implementation of its vendor management process.

The number of suppliers on its Scottish panel will be strictly limited and subject to regular review. Membership of client specific supply panels will be based purely on historic performance, providing an effective incentive for agencies to ensure that their service constantly meets and exceeds customer expectations. Those agencies whose performance is not up to scratch will be relegated from the panel.