ARGYLL and Bute Council’s local procurement spend for 2025/26 was £71.8 million, with just over 25% of all contracts being awarded to local suppliers.
This represents 5% above the local authority’s target. In instances where a local supplier placed a bid, 78% of the bids were successful. In addition, 96 local sub-contractors were used within 23 contracts. Eight contracts were also awarded to local main contractors.
A great deal of work has been done in recent years to encourage and support local SMEs and suppliers to access council contracts, the local authority explained. The council added it has simplified tender documents to ensure the procurement process is proportionate and easy to navigate. Strategies and, where appropriate, dynamic purchasing systems in place to assist local suppliers access contracts.
Where the market allows, SMEs and local suppliers will be invited to bid for contracts where goods/services are valued under £50,000 and works under £2 million.
Councillor William Sinclair, policy lead for planning and regulatory services, said, “Loving local is not just about shopping local. The Council also has a role to play in supporting local businesses through its procurement process. This will helps create jobs and promote economic growth – some of our key objectives.
“We are doing all we can to ensure opportunities are open to all our SMEs, Third Sector organisations and local businesses. I would encourage them to find out about doing business with the Council and where possible attend one of our events.”
