Council puts local businesses and organisations first
New procurement approach set to create more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary organisations
Small and medium-sized businesses in the district are set to receive a boost when bidding for work from West Berkshire Council thanks to changes to be considered next week.
The Procurement and 'Think Local' Social Value strategies will go to Executive for approval on 11 June. Together, they set out how the Council will use its £200m annual spend to deliver better outcomes for residents and the local economy.
Central to this approach is a stronger focus on prioritising local businesses during contract evaluations, creating more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary organisations. This will help boost local jobs, support business growth and deliver wider benefits for communities.
The strategies also embed social value into procurement, meaning suppliers will be expected to deliver wider benefits such as local jobs, skills, environmental improvements and community wellbeing alongside core services and value for money. For larger contracts, a minimum 10 percent of evaluation will focus on social value, ensuring these wider benefits are a key part of decision making.
Recent changes in legislation will also allow some lower value contracts to be reserved for local suppliers, helping to keep more public money within West Berkshire.
The Council will support local businesses through clearer procurement journeys, training and engagement opportunities, including a 'meet the buyer' event on 25 June. To avoid disappointment, as availability is limited, please register your attendance for the Meet the Buyer event here.
Speaking about the strategies, Councillor Vicky Poole, Executive Member for Strategy and Governance, Commercialisation and Disabled Community Liaison said:
"By thinking local and putting social value at the heart of our procurement strategy, we can support local businesses, create local jobs and help to fund local initiatives.
"These strategies will help us go further - not just delivering services, but investing in West Berkshire's future in a way that is fair, sustainable and locally focused."
If approved, more information about how to work with the Council, including details of upcoming opportunities, will be shared on the Council's website.
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