Educational institutions today face growing pressure to deliver high-quality learning experiences while managing budgets and meeting sustainability goals. With limited resources and increasing expectations, universities, colleges, and schools are seeking efficient, cost-effective ways to improve operations. One often-overlooked area where substantial savings and operational gains can be achieved is print infrastructure.
That’s where the National Education Printer Agreement (NEPA) and SOS Group come in. As Epson’s approved NEPA reseller, SOS Group is helping institutions across the North East take control of their printing needs through a compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable framework.
What is NEPA?
NEPA stands for the National Education Printer Agreement. Developed by the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC), NEPA is a collaborative procurement framework designed specifically for the education sector. It offers a secure, efficient, and legally compliant route to market for procuring printing equipment, software, and services.
The NEPA framework includes:
- Office document print hardware
- Multi-functional devices (MFDs)
- Production print hardware
- Print management solutions and services
- Peripheral hardware for managed print services
By joining NEPA, educational institutions gain access to vetted suppliers, structured KPIs, and transparent pricing schedules, streamlining procurement while ensuring excellent service delivery.
Who Can Benefit from NEPA?
NEPA is available to a wide range of publicly funded educational bodies, including:
- Universities and higher education institutions
- Further education colleges
- Multi-academy trusts (MATs)
- Independent and state schools
If your institution receives public funding, there’s a strong chance you’re eligible. And if you’re unsure, SOS Group’s team is happy to help you check eligibility and guide you through the process.
Why Choose SOS Group?
SOS Group is a trusted name in print, IT, and communication solutions across the North East and beyond. As an official Epson Partner and the designated NEPA reseller for the region, SOS Group offers tailored support to educational institutions looking to modernise their print environments.
Partnering with SOS Group through the NEPA framework brings multiple advantages:
- Streamlined Procurement: With the NEPA framework in place, there’s no need for lengthy tender processes, saving time and administrative effort.
- Proven Expertise: SOS Group’s experience in delivering managed print services to educational institutions ensures that solutions are tailored, reliable, and impactful.
- Sustainable Technology: By leveraging Epson’s Heat-Free Technology, SOS Group delivers eco-friendly print solutions that consume less power, reduce waste, and contribute to your organisation’s environmental targets.
- Full Support: From initial setup to ongoing maintenance, training, and technical assistance, SOS Group provides comprehensive support throughout the life of your print equipment.
The Benefits of Epson’s Heat-Free Technology
Sustainability is a priority for modern educational institutions, and Epson’s Heat-Free Technology aligns perfectly with these goals. Through the NEPA partnership, SOS Group supplies printers that:
- Use up to 83% less energy than comparable laser models
- Require fewer replacement parts, reducing waste and downtime
- Print with no warm-up time, offering faster first-page output
- Achieve speeds of up to 100 pages per minute (PPM)
- Provide up to 50% lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
These benefits contribute to long-term savings, more efficient workflows, and a smaller carbon footprint, key advantages for institutions with sustainability mandates.
Additional Value Through NEPA & SOS Group
NEPA isn’t just about equipment—it’s about enhancing the way educational organisations operate. By choosing SOS Group as your print partner, you gain:
- Transparent click rates and pricing schedules
- KPIs to ensure service levels and performance
- Regular framework management by NEUPC
- Local expertise with national reach
This level of structured support helps ensure that every pound spent delivers maximum return on investment, whether that’s through reduced operational costs, improved service delivery, or helping meet net-zero commitments.
Let’s Talk About Eligibility
One of the most common questions institutions ask is whether they’re eligible for NEPA. The good news is that most publicly funded educational organisations are. If you’re unsure, the team at SOS Group is always available to walk you through the requirements and help you make the most of this opportunity.
For educational institutions in the North East, partnering with SOS Group under the NEPA framework is a smart move. With cutting-edge Epson technology, a commitment to sustainability, and unmatched local service, SOS Group helps schools, colleges, and universities get the most out of their print infrastructure, while reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
If you’re ready to explore how SOS Group can help your institution take advantage of the NEPA framework, get in touch with us today.
📧 info@sosgroup-ltd.co.uk
📞 0345 230 8080
🌐 Visit our NEPA page
