Research reveals a significant gap between what councils think local suppliers need and what small businesses say would help them win public sector work.
A new best practice guide is urging councils across England to rethink how they engage with local businesses and voluntary organisations, arguing that outdated procurement practices continue to exclude the very organisations best placed to deliver economic growth, social value and resilient local services.
Published by Local Government East and developed in partnership with local authorities and procurement leaders, Building a Local Business and Voluntary Sector Friendly Council provides practical guidance to help councils attract, engage and retain more small and micro businesses within their supply chains.
The publication comes at a time of increasing national focus on local economic growth, community wealth building and the role of public procurement in supporting local economies.
Drawing on research, interviews and survey responses from almost 100 businesses and voluntary organisations, the study found that many smaller organisations feel excluded from council procurement opportunities, citing overly complex processes, difficulty identifying opportunities and a perception that councils primarily work with larger suppliers.
The findings also reveal a significant mismatch between council perceptions and supplier experiences. While procurement professionals often assume that additional training or “meet the buyer” events are the key to increasing participation, businesses consistently identified a need for councils to better understand the practical realities of operating as a small organisation, including limited time, capacity and resources.
The guidance argues that councils can make immediate improvements by simplifying documentation, using plain language contracts, adopting proportionate requirements, improving communication and taking a more proactive approach to engaging local suppliers.
CLICK HERE to view the guide.