FSB Scotland has been proactive in promoting better opportunities for Scotland’s small businesses to win contracts from public sector bodies such as local authorities and the National Health Service, as well as our universities and colleges. In our last local government elections manifesto, the Power of Local, we called on procurement spend with smaller local businesses to increase by 2% per year in order to unlock public funds to support local economies, local businesses and local jobs. We see this as a core part of the Community Wealth Building agenda, binding together the common needs of small businesses and vibrant communities.
If your business is looking to do more work with the public sector, there are a range of options available to you. The first step is to register with Public Contracts Scotland to ensure that you are informed of opportunities that match your business’s services or goods.
Local councils also offer direct support to businesses and here are some of the ways to engage with your local council:
The City of Edinburgh Council offers an information point for suppliers and potential suppliers on its website here. This information includes a regular Supplier Newsletter and a monthly online drop-in session where businesses can ask any questions about doing business with the council. You can find out more by emailing the council at [email protected]
East Lothian Council publishes information about its contract and procurement opportunities here and you can contact them with any questions at [email protected]
Fife Council has a comprehensive online hub detailing how it engages with suppliers here. This includes named council contacts across a range of sectors, including environment and fleet, social care, corporate and facilities management, construction, and travel and transportation.
Midlothian Council has a dedicated procurement webpage here, with links to its policies and current contract opportunities. It also offers a direct point of contact at [email protected]
Scottish Borders Council has a supplier hub here, which includes specific information aimed at potential new suppliers to the council. This includes an online form for contacting the procurement team directly.
West Lothian Council has a page on doing business with the council here. This includes a list of common questions that suppliers might have and the results of its Annual Supplier Survey. The council’s Corporate Procurement Unit can be contacted at [email protected]
We hope that you find this information helpful. Please look out for more local news on our local Facebook and Twitter pages, the Scotland News section of the FSB website or by contacting Garry Clark, our East of Scotland Development Manager, here.