> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.manage.management/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Supplier Network

> How to manage contractors and trusted suppliers

## Managing Suppliers

The Supplier Network helps management companies maintain a single list of trusted contractors across their whole portfolio, and control which buildings can see each one. This keeps procurement transparent and makes it easier to find the right contractor quickly.

## What you can do

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add suppliers once, portfolio-wide" icon="plus-circle">
    Record contractor details centrally: company name, trade categories, phone numbers, email, website, and notes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Assign to buildings" icon="building-2">
    Choose which buildings each supplier serves — only residents and directors of assigned buildings see them
  </Card>

  <Card title="Attach to issues" icon="link">
    Link contractors to maintenance issues for tracking and reporting
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track ratings and reviews" icon="star">
    Suppliers imported from Checkatrade keep their rating, review count, and verified status
  </Card>

  <Card title="Edit centrally" icon="pen">
    Update a supplier once and every assigned building sees the change
  </Card>

  <Card title="Search Checkatrade" icon="plug">
    Search verified tradespeople across the UK and post jobs — the integration is live
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Adding a supplier

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Supplier Network">
    Navigate to **Supplier Network** or **Suppliers** from the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a new supplier">
    Click **Add Supplier** and enter the company name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose trade categories">
    A supplier can have more than one trade: plumbing, electrical, roofing, gardening, cleaning, etc.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add contact details">
    One or more phone numbers (labelled mobile, office, emergency, etc.), email, and website.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add notes">
    Record anything the team should know — account references, preferred contacts, or coverage limits.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to buildings">
    Choose which buildings in your portfolio this supplier serves. Residents and directors only see suppliers assigned to their building.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Using suppliers on issues

When a maintenance issue is reported:

1. Open the issue in the **Issues** area
2. Assign or link the appropriate supplier
3. The supplier record provides contact details and credentials
4. Track the job from assignment through to completion
5. Record costs and outcomes for future reference

## Checkatrade integration

The Checkatrade integration is **live** and lets you:

* Search verified tradespeople by postcode, trade category, and radius
* View ratings, review counts, and verification status
* Import supplier details directly into your network
* Post jobs — directors and managers can post building-level jobs; residents can post jobs for their own flat

See the [Checkatrade integration guide](/integrations/checkatrade) and the [Supplier Network feature guide](/features/supplier-network) for details.

## Tips

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Keep insurance up to date" icon="shield">
    Expired insurance is a liability — track renewal dates in supplier records
  </Card>

  <Card title="Record costs per job" icon="coins">
    Historical cost data helps with future budgeting and contractor selection
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build per-building lists" icon="building">
    Some contractors only serve specific areas — link them to the right buildings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review performance annually" icon="star">
    Use job history and feedback to decide which suppliers to retain
  </Card>
</CardGroup>