Who We Buy From
We recognise that there is more to procurement than the lowest price. We believe value is measured in many other ways. Some of these measures mean we will encourage supplies from:
- Local businesses as well as major companies
- SMEs and micro businesses
- Ethnic businesses
- Voluntary sector organisations
- Other public sector organisations
We will also:
- Consider small businesses who want to deliver big projects, and bigger companies, who want to provide small products
- Encourage our partners to use local businesses and suppliers for their needs.
- Use central Corporate Contracts particularly for items which are used widely across the council.
Small Medium Enterprises
The Council has adopted the National Procurement Concordat for small and medium sized enterprises. This is a statement of principles to encourage effective trade between local authorities and small businesses.
You can view the full text of the Concordat principles by following the link under the “Also see” heading at the bottom of this page
Procurement of services from the Voluntary Sector
The Council is committed to developing its relationship with the voluntary sector as suppliers of services, in line with the Council’s Voluntary Sector Compact agreed in 2000. The voluntary sector, particularly at local level, has strong links with the community and can be skilled in drawing on resources in the community and gaining support for new projects.
The voluntary sector brings an understanding of the needs of specific client groups and a commitment and capacity to reach and earn the trust of excluded or disadvantaged groups. Their independence, commitment to charitable aims and direct experience of the community they work with can make them especially responsive and flexible in seeking to meet customers needs.
The voluntary sector is in a position to offer innovative solutions, often in niche markets where private sector suppliers are not willing or able to engage in highly specialised service provision.