Redditch firms are being urged to seize opportunities to win contracts from Redditch Borough Council and other public bodies, as the latest new opportunity to supply services to the borough council was published.

The council is calling on local suppliers to register with the systems the public sector uses to buy goods and services.

Cllr Craig Warhurst, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Procurement, said: “We are committed to supporting local business, contractors, and trades. We want to spend council taxpayers’ money locally. There are often opportunities for local Redditch firms to win business from the council and other public sector organisations, therefore being signed up to the procurement channels will alert you to those opportunities. Redditch has a wealth of proud quality businesses that should be bidding for public sector work, and it’s a win-win, as the public sector can benefit from local expertise while Redditch businesses are key to the town’s economy and post-Covid recovery.”

The latest opportunity published by the council on its ‘ProContract’ procurement portal is for the servicing and maintenance of Shopmobility equipment, the motorised scooters and other mobility equipment that helps people get around the town centre.

Suppliers in all sectors can easily register for an account on ProContract to get notified whenever new opportunities are posted.

In addition to publishing opportunities on ProContract the council also uses a number of public sector purchasing frameworks that local suppliers can get themselves on.

Cllr Warhurst added: “The council is building new housing stock this year. Added to this we have regular spends with contractors, tradesmen and in repairs and maintenance. We want to work with local companies. Getting on the frameworks is another powerful way to put your hat into the ring, in terms of having more opportunities to supply goods and services to the council and other public bodies as well. A purchasing department will often go to a framework – but is your business on it? There is often a time-limited window to join a framework, so to maximise your opportunities research your sector now.”

The council uses frameworks managed by various organisations including ESPO, Crown Commercial Service (CCS), LHC, Fusion 21, EEM Ltd, and Procurement For Housing (PFH).  

Nationally the Government also provides a ‘contracts finder’ website at https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder which lists all public sector contract opportunities over £10,000 and can alert subscribers by email, and a new post-Brexit ‘find a tender’ website for larger contract opportunities.