Two Norfolk Councils are transforming their procurement process – slashing red tape to make it easier for local businesses to win work.
Broadland and South Norfolk Councils have simplified their procurement rules and are offering virtual and in-person workshops to help businesses better understand the new process. In addition, they created a myth-busting “Connect2 LOCAL” tool kit packed with practical advice and useful pointers to attract more local businesses to offer their services. Broadland District Councillor Trudy Mancini-Boyle, said:
“We are eager to attract more small and medium sized businesses in the local area to bid for council contracts. “We want to make it easier for them to apply to win work, and to keep more of the area’s money here in the region. “The more business taking place in the area, the more our local economy grows. “Our toolkit is full of useful advice and tips, giving local firms an easier route to securing work with the council.”
Together, the councils spend £22.3million on buying products and services each year, with £2.6m going to small businesses. However, the councils believe that, in the next 12 months, up to double that figure (c£5.2m) could be relevant to SMEs. The councils are hosting four virtual workshops and two in-person workshops in late March and early April which local businesses can sign up to attend free of charge. The council sees the initiative as a “win-win” situation for the area– providing it with a strong local supply chain while supporting businesses as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. South Norfolk Councillor, Adrian Dearnley said:
“It has been a difficult two years for local businesses and we want to help them flourish post-Covid. “We would encourage local business owners to attend one of our workshops or explore our toolkit to see how streamlined the process has become. “This type of economic development helps to support our ‘love local, spend local’ strategy, creating more work for local businesses, helping to secure more local jobs and encouraging additional spending in local shops.”
The toolkit has been produced with support from the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA). For more information on the workshops and to sign up, visit the Connect2 LOCAL website.