VAR Probrand has cemented its position on the IT procurement stage, with an accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

Within a year of achieving the Best Practice Best Value stamp by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Birmingham-based service provider had to demonstrate a level of excellence in procurement policies and procedures.

Steve Bushell, marketing director at Probrand, said the CIPS accreditation manifests itself in the company’s online procurement tool: www.theitindex.co.uk.

“This accreditation cements all elements of best practice online and it further enhances the chain,” he said. “It reassures channel buyers that we are capable of what we say, as sometimes a sales pitch is not reality.”

Matthew Poyiadgi, European vice president of trade body CompTIA, said a downturn is the best time to invest in accreditations.

“When the good times start to roll again those who have invested in accreditations will have more chance of winning business,” he said.

“In a recession the easiest thing is to cut costs but the clever businesses will invest in accreditations and their staff, ready for the upturn. Accreditations give a sense that the firm is better equipped to do the job.”