PR 5180
North Lincolnshire Council recently unveiled a package of measures to help local firms win an increased share of contract opportunities.
The council’s cabinet recently approved a range of developments to help it drive better value for money from the £110m spent every year on goods, services and works needed to deliver essential services to local people.
The measures include:
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The council leading a group of public and private sector organisations across Northern Lincolnshire to promote contract opportunities to local firms as part of a ‘Buy4NorthernLincolnshire’ initiative
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Reducing red-tape by removing the need to complete as much paperwork when bidding for contracts
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Increasing the use of electronic tendering and electronic auctions to improve access to opportunities and provide more transparent processes
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Increased use of open tendering practices known as dynamic purchasing systems to minimise firms being ‘locked out’ of bidding for contracts
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Increased awareness of awarded contracts so smaller firms can consider sub-contracting opportunities on larger projects
Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for finance, procurement and ICT at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“I’m delighted at this impressive range of measures. They are clearly aimed at helping local firms, in particular small and medium sized business, to compete for contracts. It is essential that the council obtains good value for money for taxpayers and this initiative will help ensure that we achieve this while helping local firms.
“The council has an impressive track record of achieving savings through better buying practices. In the last year over £1.7m was saved through better procurement of essential services such as transport, construction and waste disposal.
“This is great news for local companies and the local economy as a whole."
Notes to editors:
The council spends around £110m a year on bought in supplies, services and works.
It is obliged by EU procurement law and government procurement policy to award contracts solely on the basis of best value for money. It cannot discriminate in favour of local companies - this would be unlawful. It can however promote opportunities and equip local firms to bid more successfully.
For media enquiries please contact:
Sarah Howe, Senior Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01724 296353, Mobile: 07717586353
Email: sarah.howe@northlincs.gov.uk
