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About Minerva
As procurement specialists in the schools sector Minerva offers a unique service to academies, maintained and independent schools. We understand that schools have their own distinctive characteristics and challenges and use our knowledge to meet your specific needs.
Our audit process combines information on cost reduction opportunities together with advice on improving your school’s purchasing practices.
With a ‘no savings, no fee’ guarantee Minerva can give you peace of mind that engaging us is financially risk free.
At Minerva we stand for the traditional values of openness, honesty and integrity. Our aim is to provide you with a commercial solution whilst maintaining a personal relationship enhanced with a large dose of enthusiasm for what we do!
We really are passionate about helping you to save money and develop robust purchasing strategies for your school.
Our Main Contacts
Lorraine Ashover, Director
Lorraine Ashover is Managing Director of Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Limited. Fulfilling a long-standing ambition to be her own boss Lorraine set up Minerva in 2010 in direct response to feedback from the school bursar community and helps schools reduce cost, streamline procurement practices and save time.
The company looks after many independent and academy schools and manages significant spend on behalf of clients. Prior to setting up Minerva, Lorraine worked for Barclays Commercial for 20 years, the last seven of which were as an Industry Specialist in the education sector. When not working Lorraine runs after her daughter Maisie, escapes into a good crime novel and is enjoying watching her beloved Nottingham Forest back in the Premier League…..for now!
Steve Parker, Procurement Account Manager (Consultant)
Steve has spent over 35 years in Procurement in a variety of industries all of them highly regulated so he is very familiar with that type of process control. He has successfully managed both service and product contracts in the past. This is his first venture into the Education sector but he will bring a wealth of experience from the other sectors he has worked in to help guide projects through successfully.
When not at work, he loves pretty much all sport but particularly Rugby, Football (Liverpool) and as many games of golf as he can fit in, even though his scores can fluctuate quite wildly!!
Ben Jones, Procurement Account Manager
Ben has previously spent the last 25 years in the Consumer Electronic industry, managing projects, building relationships and following regulations. Ben is now applying his extensive private sector experience in the education sector.
Whilst not at work, Ben enjoys playing 5 a-side (even at his age) playing 8-ball pool in a district league and ferrying his son around with his numerous clubs, activities and sports.
Maria Robinson, Procurement Account Manager
Maria is the newest member of the Minerva team. Coming from a financial services background in the automotive industry, Maria worked on tenders and supplier management. Wanting to extend her knowledge in the public sector Maria is looking forward to working with the rest of the Minerva team.
Aside from being the new girl, Maria enjoys cycling in an ‘interesting’ array of lycra and pottering at her allotment (weather permitting).
Plum Garland, Executive Assistant
Plum joined Minerva in May 2015. Previously Plum worked at a London University and, prior to that, at a Local Authority. From her previous roles, Plum brings experience of supporting busy people with busy calendars, whilst trying to keep the office running smoothly.
Plum is a rugby and Formula 1 fan, and likes to spend her free time doing arts and crafts. However, as the proud parent of two little girls, free time is a thing of the past. Most weekends are now spent with Charlotte and Abigail, trying not to be buried under piles of Duplo, reading countless children's books, and making dens.
Rhian Begg, Administrator
Rhian joined Minerva in March 2014 and has worn a number of hats; from organising events and conferences to managing our website and communications and everything in between. Coming from a background in communications and PR, she is used to being flexible and dealing with whatever the situation demands so she is very well placed in Minerva.
When she is not working, Rhian is usually shopping or cooking for her husband and three very growing sons but loves reading, rugby and the cinema.
Maisie Simper, Work Experience Student
Maisie joined Minerva in 2016. Maisie has lots of knowledge and can work under pressure. She is ready to help in all situations. Whether the work is hard or easy she pushes though to find a solution. Maisie is there to help the business. She is part time and when she is off she studies (a lot!) and gets involved with theatre performances.
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