Josephine Perkins
Founder & Chief Executive
Jo founded Ink and Acre Procurement out of a deep commitment to the independent schools sector — and a conviction that every school, regardless of size or budget, deserves access to expert procurement support.
The story behind the firm
Jo's procurement career began more than 25 years ago at a manufacturing firm near Banbury, where she discovered the profession by chance. She went on to earn her CIPS qualifications and build experience across the pharmaceutical, construction, retail and manufacturing sectors.
In 2009, while working at Bright Horizons, she developed a passion for education — establishing a new procurement department from scratch and introducing its processes, procedures and structure. It was the beginning of a professional focus that would define the next chapter of her career.
In 2021 she joined Alpha Plus Group, where she spent five years listening, learning and working closely with heads, deputy heads and bursars across the independent schools sector. That experience — and the relationships it built — became the foundation for Ink and Acre Procurement.
"Independent schools have never faced a more challenging time. I feel a responsibility to continue supporting them, particularly those that might not otherwise be able to afford an external consultant."
Background & credentials
CIPS qualified — Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
More than 25 years in procurement across manufacturing, pharmaceutical, construction, retail and education
Established the procurement function at Bright Horizons from the ground up in 2009
Five years at Alpha Plus Group, working across the independent schools estate
Specialist in greenfield procurement across operational spend: catering, cleaning, facilities management and transport
How Jo works
Sector-only focus
Jo has spent years working exclusively within the education sector. She believes depth of knowledge in one sector is worth more than breadth across many.
Jo leads — always
Jo spearheads, monitors, reviews and directs every client engagement. Where a project calls for specific category expertise, Ink and Acre draws on a network of experienced consultants with relevant backgrounds — so the right knowledge is always applied. Administrative work is handled at a lower day rate where it is most cost-competitive. Whatever the shape of the engagement, Jo remains your point of contact and the person accountable for the outcome.
Collaborative supplier management
Jo champions collaborative supplier relationships and takes pride in helping clients achieve the best from their suppliers — not just at contract award, but throughout the life of the agreement.
Plain language
Jo writes all client reports herself and insists they be readable by a governor with no procurement background. If it needs a glossary, it goes back for a rewrite.
Jo was educated at Monkton Combe School in Bath and currently lives on the outskirts of a market town in Oxfordshire, close to the Cotswolds, with her two Jack Russells, Monty and Milo.
Talk directly to Jo
Jo takes every initial enquiry personally. If you'd like to discuss your school's procurement, she'd welcome a conversation.