Procurement update: working with local suppliers and Heads of Service report feedback
The importance of including local suppliers and new supplier in a procurement exercise is being highlighted by our procurement team.
Working with local suppliers whenever there is an option can bring value to the contract by:
- boosting the local economy
- creating jobs
- fostering community wealth building and stronger relationships
- cutting transportation costs
Local sourcing supports the community and aligns with sustainability goals by lowering our carbon footprint. Scotland's Community Wealth Building (CWB) framework also highlights local procurement as a key strategy for increasing local wealth and empowering communities.
At Procurement events such as ‘Meet the Buyer’, our procurement team engages with a wide range of suppliers who express interest in working with our organisation. They ensure to collect all relevant details from suppliers and share with the appropriate service areas.
If you're involved in buying goods or services and need support, please contact the Procurement team for advice.
In August procurement issued a pilot of its new Head of Service reports.
Feedback received highlighted the reports have been helpful, especially for providing a high-level overview of expiring procurements. Suggestions for improvement were also made, which include adding a section to contracts that are due to expire in the 18–24-month period.
The service will now prepare a council-wide report for Corporate Management Team and seeking to further improve these reports for the next issue in January 2026. The reports will cover:
- procurement performance overview
- market supplier insights
- strategic themes and impacts
- innovation
- governance and compliance
The reports will aim to identify where procurement can deliver better value for money, highlight opportunities for cost savings, efficiency and innovation as well as support planning for future procurement activity and contract renewals.
Please contact procurement team if you would like to share any further feedback.