Local businesses are continuing to be supported in securing key council contracts, according to the latest annual statistics.

A key strand of Community Wealth Building, the economic model launched in 2020, is to keep money local and for the council and other ‘anchor’ organisations – including NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Ayrshire College and wider partners – to support more local business to bid for public sector contracts.

At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday, the report for 2023 to 2024 will reveal that £71.5m was spent locally with 879 suppliers – which was an increase of £14m from the previous year.

Another positive trend is the £10m worth of sub-contracted work to North Ayrshire businesses.

The council’s Business Support and Development Team continues to work closely with suppliers and the Corporate Procurement Unit to identify and support local suppliers to maximise their success in winning contracts.

A Contracts Register and two-year forward plan within an Annual Procurement Report is also published to provide visibility of procurement opportunities. This open and transparent communication of opportunities and support has been vital and is a key factor behind the increase in local business spend

Quot

Quote from:Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy said:

“This is a vitally important strand of Community Wealth Building and it is really positive to see this increase in the amount of money being spent awarding contracts to local businesses. There is a great deal of work being put in by our Procurement and Business teams.

Helping local companies bid for and win public sector contracts is one of the cornerstones of Community Wealth Building and a lot of work has been carried out to achieve this. It’s great to see that we are achieving this and more money is being spent locally.”

The Community Wealth Building economic model sees wealth being retained in North Ayrshire thanks to the council and partners increasing employment and using local produce and resources .

If you are a local business and looking to access some of this support, please get in touch.

View council procurement information and opportunities.