**Nottinghamshire**: The county council has awarded £113 million in new contracts, with 74% going to local suppliers, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting regional economic resilience through strategic partnerships and sustainable practices.
Nottinghamshire County Council has awarded a significant portion of its procurement contracts to local suppliers, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the regional economy. In the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the council announced the issuance of 19 new contracts, estimated to be worth £113 million, while concurrently managing another 113 projects in progress.
As it stands, 74% of the council’s contracts are directed towards Nottinghamshire-based suppliers, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receiving 56% of the total contracts. The council is currently partnered with 604 local suppliers, resulting in a combined contract value exceeding £3.6 billion.
Councillor Andre Camilleri, who serves as the Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, outlined the multifaceted benefits of collaborating with local businesses. In an interview, Camilleri stated, “The benefits of working with local businesses extend beyond just the economic impact; they include job creation, faster response times, and reduced transport costs which ultimately contribute to lower carbon emissions.”
A prime example of a business gaining from this procurement strategy is Nottinghamshire Fire Safety Ltd, a Mansfield-based company that offers fire safety services. The firm operates under a three-year contract with the council’s partner, Arc Partnership, focusing on the provision and servicing of fire extinguishers in various council facilities, including schools, libraries, and care homes, along with delivering essential fire safety training.
Phil Kennell, the Managing Director of Nottinghamshire Fire Safety Ltd, highlighted the positive impact of the contract on the company’s operations, particularly in strengthening its relationship with the council. Kennell remarked, “The contract has allowed us to keep work local and reduce travel-related costs,” further noting that the firm has recently installed fire safety equipment at Yeoman Park School in Mansfield and has plans for additional projects at other new educational establishments.
The ongoing procurement strategy of Nottinghamshire County Council is strategically designed to foster local partnerships that not only aim to build economic resilience but also enhance sustainability within the community. Through this approach, the council seeks to maximise the effectiveness of public spending, ensuring that local businesses thrive and contribute to the overall regional economic landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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